Hudson Guild celebrates its 125th anniversary as part of Hudson Guild Day on 9/17

September 18, 2020 | by hgadmin

(September 17) - Hudson Guild celebrates its 125th anniversary as part of Hudson Guild Day on 9/17. What is Hudson Guild Day? In 1981, former Mayor Ed Koch declared 9/17 to be Hudson Guild Day because of the organization’s contributions to Chelsea and New York City as a whole. From humble origins founded by Dr. John Lovejoy Elliott in 1895, Hudson Guild has expanded the services it has offered, and the number of people served over the years. While Hudson Guild has helped navigate the community through difficult times, these times during COVID have been unprecedented. New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, who represents Chelsea said, “Hudson Guild is a neighborhood treasure. Their work is all the more important now as so many New Yorkers, in my district and around the city, are reeling from the awful COVID-19 pandemic. Hudson Guild has risen to the occasion during these trying times, and continues to serve the residents of Chelsea and its surrounding neighborhoods as they have for the last 125 years. I thank everyone at Hudson Guild for their amazing work, now more than ever."

With the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting nearly every aspect of life, the need for Hudson Guild’s comprehensive services has only grown. The organization has transformed into digital operations to serve clients while also working tirelessly to establish and implement public health protocols to allow for buildings to reopen in the near future. Since the pandemic hit in March, we have:

• Served 24,000+ meals to seniors and families in need
• Hosted 3,000+ counseling sessions through our Mental Health Clinic
• Hosted 1,000+ virtual sessions to actively engage participants in real time across pre-K, youth, and senior programming
• Made 6,000+ wellness and casework phone calls to participants

Senator Brad Hoylman spoke of Hudson Guild’s work saying, “Through their engagement with the Chelsea community and commitment to social justice values, the Hudson Guild has strengthened the fabric of the neighborhood and my district. Thank you for your 125 years of service, uplifting and empowering community members. The Guild deserves extra recognition for pivoting their programs so quickly during COVID to safely help our community through this difficult time.”

Assembly Member Richard Gottfried added, "Hudson Guild has been at the heart of Chelsea since 1895, serving its families, children and seniors. This difficult year has seen Hudson Guild rise to the occasion, providing vital programs and thousands of meals to Chelsea residents. Congratulations to Hudson Guild on its 125th anniversary and I look forward to its continued service to our community for many years to come."

As Hudson Guild celebrates their 125^th anniversary on 9/17, it has asked people on social media, “What does Hudson Guild mean to you?” The organization is also sharing highlights from its six major program areas on social media.

In looking back on a storied history and a rich future, Hudson Guild Executive Director Ken Jockers said, “Chelsea and New York City has changed drastically since Hudson Guild was founded 125 years ago. What has not changed has been our commitment to empowering residents of all ages and backgrounds to live their best lives through the programs that we offer. On behalf of our more than 150 dedicated employees, I thank the people of Chelsea and the surrounding neighborhoods for letting us serve you all these many years, and we look forward to what we can build together in the years ahead.”