News

Neighborhood House Celebrates 5 Years in New Building

June 5, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Abby Branstein
    Neighborhood House
PHONE: 502-774-2322 ext. 226
EMAIL: abranstein@nhky.org

In June, Neighborhood House will commemorate five years in its new building. The community center located at 201 North 25th Street in Portland will celebrate with a “birthday party” for the children in our programs. Friends and supporters are welcome to see what’s happening at Neighborhood House and celebrate with us on Monday, June 30, 2008 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Neighborhood House. There will be a brief program at 5:30 p.m. along with food and games. Guests are encouraged to RSVP to Abby Branstein at 502-774-2322 ext. 226 or abranstein@nhky.org.

After thirty-five years in Portland, Neighborhood House launched a $3 million capital campaign for the future to build a new building. Led by a committee of dedicated volunteers, including Gene Smith and Mary Maple and support from countless others, Neighborhood House opened the doors to its new facility in 2003.

The new building provides space for a Child Development Center, Youth Programs, a Food Bank, programs for Senior Citizens and community events. Pam Rice, Executive Director of Neighborhood House, shares that they quickly out grew the new building and had to continue to use part of the old building. She adds that they have slowly begun to renovate the old building thanks to support from the Kentucky Colonels and a partnership with The Kidz Club.

“We have come so far in the past five years,” said Pam Rice. “And without our volunteers we would not be where we are today.”

During the birthday celebration, Neighborhood House will award the first ever Ray Nowacki Volunteer of the Year Award. Ray Nowacki, Jr. a native of Portland has been an integral part of the success of Neighborhood House as a member of the Board of Directors and past Board President. Rice said naming the award after Nowacki is the perfect way to acknowledge his dedication to Neighborhood House.

This year’s award will honor Jane Parker and Peter Creech. Parker and Creech spearheaded the tutoring program at Neighborhood House. Thanks to their leadership the tutoring program has grown into an exciting, life-changing opportunity for Neighborhood House children.

About Neighborhood House

Neighborhood House, established in 1896, is a community-based organization providing programs and services which enhance the quality of life for individuals of all ages in the Portland area. Our programs focus on educational enhancement, civic responsibility, cultural enrichment, health promotion, social skills development, and employment opportunity and training.