About the SBS

The Swiss Benevolent Society of New York is the oldest charitable Swiss organization in the United States.  Founded in 1832 and formally organized in 1846, it has continued to function without interruption to the present day, always responding to the socioeconomic changes of the times.

In the early 19th century, New York served as entrance point to the United States for numerous immigrants from Switzerland. Many had been desperately poor in their homeland and hoped to do better in the New World. Others were attracted by the promise of greater opportunities and more freedom. Yet others – the ne'er-do-wells and marginally criminal – had been more than encouraged to emigrate by their hometowns. Few were prepared for the culture shock awaiting them in New York.

A group of civic-minded Swiss, established businessmen in the city, came together to assist their newly arrived countrymen with advice, jobs and money. In 1846, ninety-six supporting members formally organized as Swiss Benevolent Society of New York to carry on what they had started.

During the last sixteen decades, the Swiss Benevolent Society of New York has constantly adapted its services and programs to the changing needs of the Swiss community in the greater New York area. At various times, it maintained a transient home, a soup kitchen, a home for the aged, a children's country camp and a residence for young women.

Today, our main goal remains to help our fellow Swiss to live as independently and well as they are able through two programs:

• Social Service
  
• Scholarship Programs
  

In addition, we organize some social events, publish a Swiss Business Directory, and serve as an information center about the Swiss community here.