New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-02-09
Self-Supporting
Community House
Brooklyn's Pride

Brooklyn claims to have blazed q
trail in social work. A brand new idea
which aims toward ultimate oper-
alton of community centres on a self
supporting, selfmanaging basis - has
been tried, rather cautiously and
carefully at first, to be sure, but
with such results that the leaders
feel they have discovered a force
which will revolutionize the form
of activity classed under the broad term
social work"
And with the development of the
new field, will come new opportunities,
particularly for women-for the try
out" period has shown women to be
better adapted temperamentally to
handle the various problems which
arise. They have been, as a whole.
more successful than men In perfecting
live, harmonious organizations and in
establishing that close touch with the
community. necessary for best results.
Perhaps for the first time, social
settlement decided to leave its old
lines and work toward becoming q
community centre when the United
Neighborhood Guild, of 176 Nassau
Street, merged with the Peoples In
stitute Of Brooklyn, last fall. The Peo-
pies Institute had been active in pro-
basis with the people themselves.
Since the merger the old Guild
house has been conducted as an up-to-
date community centre, with noon hour
dances for employed young people in
the vicinity, cafeteria service, clubs,
group meetings, lectures and classes.
The Board of Directors Of the Guild
and the Institute act as sort Of "pro-
noting board" or advisory committee.
os
worked up in different localities who
assume charge of the community act
ivities there. The committee obtains
permission from the Board of Educa-
ton for the use of schools and plans
features to appeal to that particular
section. Nominal fees are charged.
Thus far seven community centres are
operating-the Flatbush, Bushwick, Bay
Ridge, Gowanus. Navy Yard and Fred
Commercial High School. Twenty diff
trent school buildings have been used
in addition for social and athletic
clubs, choral societies, art exhibits
motion pictures. etc.
Seymour Barnard, Director OF the
United Neighborhood Guild and the
Peoples Institute, said in a recent in
terview the possibilities of running
supporting, self-governing COM
in the minds of the board.
Forty supervisors are directing the
community work of the society. Of
these, Mr.. Bernard said, the women
have made quite remarkable record.
"A woman of tact and pleasant per-
sonality is invaluable" he said. "As
director Of the community centre she
chaperons all dances and parties and
gains the confidence OF the people.
Whole families come to her with their
difficulties.
at is quite unusual to have COM
munity centre able to employ its own
secretary without calling for private
contributions. Brooklyn, which Is main
tanning its community secretaries, rails
ing the money through entertainments
and club dues, Is one Of very few cities,
If not the only one, TO do this.
1--WE feel that substantial progress
is being made toward our ideal Of a
community centre that shall be SELF
supporting and self governing. This
is a work that can be done without
MUCH financial investment. 1t depends
primarily upon the enthusiasm. ths
sincerity and the ability Of the lead.
eers who nwaken the public to greater
interest sand response to bettey iivanej