The Neighborhood House marks 130 years with events and celebrations

The Neighborhood House was founded 130 years ago to provide childcare to the area. Since then, its services have expanded to include much more. Photo by Katie McEntire.

The Neighborhood House, an organization on Salt Lake’s Westside that provides affordable child and adult day care, is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year. The anniversary will involve multiple events throughout the year, including a community party, a fund-raising tent party, and a holiday celebration to close out the year.

The Neighborhood House was established by Emma K. McVicker in 1894 – two years before Utah became a state – as an innovative solution for the lack of childcare. Since that time, The Neighborhood House has continued its legacy of innovative partnerships and approaches to accomplish its mission “to enrich, empower, and educate children and adults through quality, affordable preschool programs, day care services, and comprehensive support services.”

A summer celebration held in 2022 featured food, activities, games, and a petting zoo. Photo by David Ricketts.

Since it was founded, The Neighborhood House has been committed to providing easily accessible resources to those who need them, regardless of income. The organization’s 130 years are filled with countless life and family trajectories changed, supported and empowered by the resources offered. But even more remarkable than the individual lives changed is Neighborhood House’s steadfast commitment to its founding values and to the community it serves. These values include an insistence that “the resources provided should be of the highest quality possible, as quality should not be compromised due to the clients’ income,” stated Jenn Bean, the organization’s Development and Communications Director. This tenet is demonstrated in not only the services provided, but in the building itself.

After almost 60 years in the same building, a successful capital campaign allowed The Neighborhood House to expand with two new buildings: the Cleone Peterson Eccles Children’s Center and the Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation Adult Center, which opened in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The buildings and the campus itself defy the stereotype of a nonprofit supporting families and caretakers with low-cost daycare – the lobby, rooms, and hallways are airy, bright, and clean.

The new buildings, as well as numerous additional resources that Neighborhood House provides, are made possible by its unique approach to fundraising. At its origin, Neighborhood House was started by a woman who saw a need in the community and then built connections across the community to come up with the solution – together.

The Cleone Peterson Eccles Children’s Center was part of a 2019 expansion. In 2020, the Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation Adult Center (not pictured) was also added. Photo by Katie McEntire.

This approach is continued by its current, all-female board and other leadership, as partnerships with the government entities, local businesses, and foundations are developed and strengthened. “After all, when families are made stronger, the communities – and the state – are stronger and healthier. A problem that impacts all should be solved by all,” said Bean, explaining a philosophy embraced and continuously championed by the Neighborhood House.

Being around for 130 years doesn’t come without challenges, however. Like many other nonprofits, funding continues to be an ever-present issue, and 60% of donations come from individual donors, so the Neighborhood House is reliant on community giving. Regardless of size, each donation is critical, because not providing these services can have dire implications for the caregivers who rely on the affordable care provided for their families.

“It’s expensive to go to work and earn a paycheck,” Bean succinctly summarized, explaining that lack of these services can be a challenge for the families who rely on the Neighborhood House so they can go to work, get an education, and engage in other activities that help them improve their economic status – and thereby strengthen their families and the community at large.

As an organization “for the community, by the community,” Neighborhood House always offers ways to get involved, from donations to volunteering. If you have a skill like yoga, gardening, dancing, or any creative expertise that you would like to share with the children or adult clients (or both), the organization encourages you to reach out to see if you can volunteer.

130th ANNIVERSARY EVENTS

March 1st – 130th Anniversary Press Conference and Panel Discussion

Moderated by Mary Nickles from KUTV Channel 2 with opening remarks from Governor Cox.

June 14th – Summer Celebration

Community-wide event at the Neighborhood House, with carnival games, tabled community resources, unveiling of a commemorative mural, and community partner and volunteer awards.

September 14th – 130th Anniversary Tent Party

Annual fundraising event at the Neighborhood House.

December 6th – Annual Jingle + Mingle

The conclusion of the anniversary celebration events, an open house for anniversary partners, community partners, volunteers, and donors.