Challenges / Successes

Neighborhood House provides programs and services which enhance the quality of life for individuals of all ages in the Portland area. We provide not only a safe haven, but also educational and social opportunities that promote healthy lifestyle choices.

Challenges
The traditionally working-class Portland community is suffering from increased poverty and unemployment, while the crime rate and statistics on drug use climb. The following information paints a grim picture:

• According to statistics from the United States Census in 2000, homeownership in the Portland community has dropped to 52%
• Four out of five Portland families are headed by a single parent
• Nearly one-third of all births are to mothers under 21 years of age
• Only 40% of the Portland residents over the age of 25 have completed high school
• A mere 2% of residents possess a college degree
• The median income in Portland is $26,495 - far less than the Jefferson County average of $49,161

The current educational system in the Portland neighborhood is also bleak. As a result of the education situation, the neighborhood suffers from higher than average rates of illiteracy. The 2008 results of the Kentucky Commonwealth Accountability Testing System (CATS) revealed that 3 of the 4 Portland area schools are among the poorest performing in the state.

Successes
Neighborhood House is working to provide the resources and tools to empower individuals in the Portland community, both educationally and socially. We need your support to continue our cause and to overcome the mounting challenges this community faces. Neighborhood House is making a difference in the lives of Portland residents and this community's future.

• In July, preschoolers graduated from the Neighborhood House Child Development Center with the skills and developmental assets to entered kindergarten ready to succeed!
• Neighborhood House was selected as one of three centers to participate in the Gheens Bridges to Tomorrow Initiative. This Initiative provides support for helping preschoolers with language skills, social and emotional development, physical health and cognitive performance. In addition, their parents receive support to reach their personal goals to lead to their families’ financial stability.
• In June, Neighborhood House recognized the educational achievements of more than 35 youth and staff.
• The Child Development Center of Neighborhood House had a perfect licensing report in August of 2011.
• More than 400 young people were served through our educational and social skills development opportunities.
• We added an Education Coordinator who serves as a vital link between our youth, their parents, and their schools. This is resulting in much more school support, with faculty actually coming to Neighborhood House to be more available in meeting student and parent needs.
• 40 teenagers received job skills training, career coaching and college visits.
• We served more than 14,000 meals to children during our Kids Café, providing food to any hungry child five nights/week.
• Senior Adults reported that the quality of their lives are improved as a result of their participation at Neighborhood House – their “Neighborhood Home!”