New York

The Henry Street Settlement, located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, has been home to the UPS Community Internship Program (CIP) since 1968.  Since the introduction of the UPS Community Internship Program in 1968, New York City's Henry Street Settlement has been a consistent source of inspiration and development for hundreds of UPS managers. For more than a century, the Henry Street Settlement has been a beacon of hope for the downtrodden and disadvantaged that wander the streets of Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

To make their own mark on the people so desperately needing help, UPS managers overcame their preconceived judgments and performed hundreds of acts of kindness. They counseled the unemployed, assisted with resumé writing and interview skills; they cared for the elderly, laughed and played with children, listened to convicted felons, coached and mentored teens, and served food to the hungry.

Unfortunately, the poverty, homelessness, disease, drug abuse, violence, and social injustices addressed by the interns have become pervasive in the shadows of this hustling, bustling urban area. However, they are but a microcosm of the challenges that human beings face every day in every city, state, and nation on the planet.

Collectively, the issues and concerns facing the unfortunate and disenfranchised may seem insurmountable. But, as the UPS interns can attest, at the end of the day, every handshake or pat on the back, every glance of eye contact or second of listening, or every single ounce of compassion has an impact on the human spirit. These experiences remind us all that with a few unfortunate turns of events, we could be the ones seeking help, rather than providing it.

Kellie Aamondt
Director of Sales

The CIP is something every UPSer can be proud of. It immersed me within the community and enlightened me on the many social issues both our company and our country face on a daily basis. It will challenge any UPSer to contribute even more to their communities to ensure our society continues to improve.

Mark van Andel
Distribution Manager

CIP has enriched me and made me a more well-rounded manager. I have become more aware, gained a better understanding, and have become more sensitive towards issues that our people face. CIP also has taught me how important it is for UPS to have its feet on the ground inside the communities that we operate in and serve. It is not only important that people know us, but also that we play an important role inside these communities. CIP has been one big learning experience. It has been very interesting and many of the things I have seen and learned here, I am sure I will never forget. I want to look for opportunities for myself to get more involved and make a difference.  

Scott Bremerman
Package Division Manager

This opportunity provided me with a chance to better understand and empathize with the daily challenges faced by people of different economic backgrounds. Through this very rewarding experience, I came to truly appreciate how people often rely on services provided by agencies and volunteers and the challenges that those organizations face.

Another great part of this internship was the way it allowed me to utilize my leadership skills and expertise in a way that was beneficial to the patrons of Henry Street. Working with the organization strengthened my belief in the fact that one person can and does make a difference. My most rewarding experience was my involvement with the children. Being a role model can have a positive and substantial impact on the life of a child and I am convinced that volunteering is a win-win situation for everyone. I have always believed that volunteering helps keep communities strong by assisting in the development of resources and community loyalty, both of which are important elements of healthy, integrated, and secure communities.

Christopher Chiarot
Project Manager

The CIP was, for me, a unique and amazing opportunity – unlike anything I have ever experienced. Working side-by-side with my UPS partners from around the world to serve in ways that seem small when looked at individually, but when taken together can make a significant positive impact on a neighborhood, a household, or even a single person's life – made an impact on me
that will last for years. I'm proud that UPS has remained committed to this program for 40 years.

Learn More About CIP at Henry Street Settlement