Dear Friends, What an exciting time for Neighborhood Houses! With our rich history of 97 years of service to this community; our reenergized mission is not going unnoticed! Neighborhood Houses has become known as a strong partner with ARCHS and the Saint Louis Public Schools in after school programming. We focus on academic enrichment, character building, physical activity and creativity in 5 elementary schools, preparing our next generation to thrive in the future.

Our neighbors have come to rely on St. James Center and Dignity House for our Food Pantry and Health services where we serve approximately 150 families per week!

The focus on Early Childhood Education at Caroline Mission has flourished for generations, and the happy sounds of children warm my heart and give me hope every time I am in the building.

Summer day camp at all of our sites has become a preferred and affordable program for families to keep their children engaged in positive activities that make the summer fly by! And Resident Camp in Union, MO is sure to be an unforgettable experience for all.

As we prepare for the second decade of the 21st century, the needs continue in our community. The question I ask is how do we assist the whole family? Lending support to create independent families is paramount today, and Neighborhood Houses is targeting several key areas to accomplish this: 1) Creating programs that focus on nutrition and healthy food preparation; 2) Parenting support for those who need that extra guidance to be the best parents they can be; and 3) Engaging our youth through sports and the arts, tapping their minds before the spark of possibilities is extinguished.

Neighborhood Houses continues to be a safe haven for all.

The ills of our society: the ailing economy, violence in our streets and children becoming parents long before they have experienced all that childhood has to offer, require us to lend a hand to families in need… and with your support we will continue to empower the least of us…bringing out the best in us!

Sincerely,

Darlene Y. Sowell
President and CEO
Neighborhood Houses