About Us

Our Mission 

RNH is of, by, and for its local community. A primary goal of RNH is to strengthen our community in the North West Bronx by delivering programs and ensuring access to resources that build bonds, create networks, and promote equity across generational, cultural, racial, and economic lines.

RNH was founded in 1872 when the young Grace Dodge started a lending library out of her greenhouse– a bookshelf of resources for local laborers. With a 150-year history as a settlement house in the northwest Bronx and active member of United Neighborhood Houses of New York, RNH responds to the evolving, unique needs of the greater community by providing services, programs, and resources to support them. In 2018, RNH expanded its footprint and joined forces with Riverdale Community Center (RCC), a grass-roots, multi-service agency that provides cultural, recreational, and academic activities. Today, RNH serves over 5,000 neighbors as the only non-sectarian multi-service agency in Riverdale.

RNH provides an array of services and programs to community members of all ages, including Universal Pre-K, after-school enrichment, college prep, teen internships, community art and fitness classes, senior telephone reassurance, a community pool, and most recently, a Food and Farm Hub, which consists of an urban garden and mutual-aid fridge.

Celebrating 150 Years

Our Values

  • All lives are enriched by participation in a compassionate and supportive community

  • The enduring strength of our community relies on cultivating a spirit of neighborliness and mutual respect among a diverse population

  • We value all identities at RNH

  • Families require lifelines of support and benefit from community services and programs responsive to their needs

  • Children from all socioeconomic backgrounds should have equal access to quality early childhood programs

  • Children and teens should have a safe environment for their development in order to foster positive social interactions

  • Seniors, including the homebound elderly, need and deserve to be valued as individuals who are important to the fabric of community life

  • All people should have access to fresh and healthy local food and the opportunity to connect with the natural world

  • An effective settlement house and community center must continually evolve and adapt to the ever-changing needs of its community