Programs / Services

Neighborhood House is a community center focused on meeting the needs of the entire Portland community. The recipients of services at Neighborhood House range from infants in the Child Development Center to senior citizens in the Senior Nutrition Program. The expertise of Neighborhood House is recognizing and responding to the wide scope of needs of individuals and families in a low socioeconomic area, including needs specifically related to education, nutrition, social, and physical issues. As a community center, the services of Neighborhood House require us to constantly evolve to meet the changing needs of our neighborhood.

Child Development Center: The goal of the Neighborhood House Child Development Center is to provide children ages six weeks through 12 years of age a safe and nurturing learning environment. We follow a High/Scope Curriculum, which is an "active learning" approach to educating children from birth to young adulthood. This approach's primary method of learning is through discovery with opportunities to explore and experiment at the child's own level of knowledge. The combination of carefully chosen activities and developmentally appropriate materials provide each child with the opportunity to learn, grow, and prepare for further education in the school system.

The Neighborhood House Child Development Center was constructed in 2003. Our new facility offers children state-of-the-art amenities such as a game room, full-size gymnasium, computer lab, art and music rooms, and a playground. The building is secured with coded entry doors, ensuring a safe environment for the children. Examples of what the Center provides include:

• Active, structured learning environments
• Low teacher to child ratios
• Warm, nutritious meals and snacks
• Free formula and diaper wipes
• Music and movement enrichment classes
• Educational and recreational field trips
• Tuition assistance for those who qualify
• Transportation to and from select schools

Financial assistance is available through Community Coordinated Child Care. For more information, contact Felicia Alfred, Child Development Director at 502.774.2977.

Youth Programs: Youth Programs at Neighborhood House provide opportunities to enhance education through fun, learning activities as well as structured academic assistance. We provide youth a safe place to interact socially, and gain athletic and fine art skills. The program is offered Monday through Saturday for youth ages 6-18. Some examples of our youth programs are:

• Kid's Café serves a warm, nutritious dinner to any hungry child
• Youth Leadership Council
• Homework Assistance
• Drama, Art, and Music Classes
• Workshops on substance abuse and teen pregnancy prevention
• Recreational activities
• Field Trips for recreational and educational purposes

Family Programs: Neighborhood House offers educational programs for families through collaborative efforts with Jefferson County Public Schools. Parents come into Neighborhood House through this program to work on their GED or computer skills. While the parents are receiving instruction, their children participate in education and art classes.

Our largest service offered to families is our Emergency Food Bank. The Emergency Food Program at Neighborhood House provides emergency food assistance to individuals and families in need. Currently, over 400 people are served each month, yet the need for food assistance continues to increase.

Senior Citizens Program: The Senior Citizens Program at Neighborhood House is designed to assist seniors emotionally, physically, and mentally. Through participation in Neighborhood House activities, in collaboration with other agencies such as ElderServe and Visiting Nurses Association, senior citizens are able to receive educational information, recreational and physical activities, social interaction, and hot, nutritious meals. We provide our senior citizens with a safe, positive alternative to the isolation that is common as people age. Some examples of our Senior Citizens Program include:

• Art Classes
• Thai Chi
• Louisville Metro Government Nutrition Program
• Bingo
• Bunco
• Line Dancing