Ladybug release day is always a favorite here at the Neighborhood House! Our inquisitive young scientists had a blast watching their insect friends create new homes outside on our Environmental Playscape to culminate their unit on nature and insects.

We were so impressed by the incredibly talented cast and crew of Guys and Dolls SR., who delighted audiences with their reimagined staging of the classic Broadway musical. Congrats to everyone involved in this marvelous production!

Members of our Older Adult Centers joined Fitness Instructor Brandon Dottin for a special 130th Birthday Dance Party to celebrate our milestone anniversary year. The group rocked our gymnasium with popular dance trends such as the Macarena, Cupid Shuffle and Wobble. After the dancing, members enjoyed birthday cupcakes and a festive photo booth while constructing a celebratory community art mural.

In recognition of National Volunteer Month, we were thrilled to host our Celebration of Volunteers to applaud the important work they do to support our programs and our community. Along with inspiring remarks from Volunteer Director Anthony Snowden, the reception featured beautiful artwork from our Spring Adult Art Exhibition–created by Neighborhood House clients–and fabulous fare prepared by our chefs.

"Organizations like yours are so important for elderly New Yorkers, and I thank you again for all that you do."

Students relish in our "Show & Tell" series with our Teaching Kitchen chefs, where the groups use various senses to explore delicious and healthy vegetables such as cucumbers, sweet potatoes, collard greens and Brussels sprouts.

A wonderful celebration for our dear colleague Linsford Dominguez as we toasted his well-earned retirement. For the heartfelt send-off, our amazing chefs prepared a Belizean feast in honor of Linsford’s heritage. Linsford first joined us as a Porter in 2007 and assisted with so many community events and behind-the-scenes happenings through the years and–and became a fan-favorite among our clients and colleagues.

We delighted in hosting a special tea party for our Caregiver clients, where our talented chefs served a traditional high tea menu complete with sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, jam, tea and imported English sugar. The festivities closed with a runway show and a competition for Best Dressed!

We welcomed more than 500 supporters and partners to our 2024 Spring Gala "Flights of Fancy." Held at Cipriani 42nd Street, the breathtaking evening honored Board member Tom Melton and raised critical funds for thousands of New Yorkers.⁠ Guided by Honorary Design Chair Christopher Spitzmiller and Design Chairs Lindsey Harper and Harry Heissmann, 41 designers lent their talents to create gorgeous tablescapes for the black-tie affair.

While a client at our Shelter, Ms. P had consistent access to health care–with our on-site weekly clinic in partnership with Northwell Health-Lenox Hill Hospital–and was ultimately able to move into her own apartment. Ms. P shared, "They taught me a lot of self-love, too...I have healed since I've been here."

"You guys are invaluable, not just every day, but on more difficult days as well. Thank you for what you are doing for our community!"

Members of our Older Adult Centers soaked up the sun during a group outing to Brighton Beach!

"The support getting ready for and going into kindergarten is so appreciated–because this is my first time, and trying to set my children up in the best possible place. I’m thankful to have had the resources and the support of your staff."

We were proud to present our most prestigious recognition, the Elizabeth Rohatyn Award for Community Service, to our friends from Lifespire for their years of partnership and service to our older adult community.

"I wish to acknowledge, commend and celebrate the great services, courses and events that you offer the community’s children, elderly and lonely."

Our students love learning about the important role of insects in our ecosystem. Our brave young entomologists delighted in releasing butterflies to help to promote pollination of our native plants and flowers on our Environmental Playscape.

Older adult client Herb and longtime volunteer Morris spoke regularly on the phone during the earlier days of the pandemic. As conditions improved, they were able to finally meet in person and celebrated Herb's 90th birthday with a special lunch outing!

We were honored to accept a Certificate of Support from our friends at GrowNYC, recognizing our work in support of New York farmers, local agriculture and regional agricultural workers. Visits from Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright and City Council Member Julie Menin added to the festivities, which also included a cooking demo from our chefs.

Upon completing the Readying Emerging Leaders in Supportive Housing mentorship program, Rhonda shared, “The program was a valuable experience, teaching me that I do not have to be on the executive board to make a difference and have a voice at the decision table. It is about how you insert yourself into the conversation to be heard."

To celebrate Pride Month, for our monthly Staff Film & Dinner night we screened the romantic comedy-drama The Watermelon Woman, written, directed and edited by Cheryl Dunye. Our incredible chefs prepared a show-stopping feast of Watermelon Salad, Fried Okra with Cajun Remoulade, Smoked Turkey Collard Greens, Cornbread with Honey Butter, Candied Sweet Potatoes, Fried Fish & Homemade Tartar Sauce, and Strawberry Rhubarb Shortcake.

“Lenox Hill Neighborhood House was there for me during my childhood and now for my daughter, who has experienced that and more! I am so grateful for the dedication, passion and determination to prepare each child for the upcoming year."

We welcomed a group of Burmese health care workers from Myanmar for virtual English conversation classes to help students to gain practical tools and improve their English skills. ESOL Manager Allison Horwitz shares that the course provided "levity and distraction from the chaos of their everyday lives."

Members of our Older Adult Centers held a dynamic and thought-provoking conversation on "Significant Moments in Black History," where the group shared personal connections and experiences as part of our ongoing celebrations and events in recognition of Black History Month.

"When I was doing improv in my 20s, if someone told me then I'd be doing 'The Music Man' at 69, I'd be like: 'how does that happen?'"

At the beginning of her Dance Ensemble class, Dance Teacher Hannah Swanson asked older adult members, “What do you want the world to know about you?” The conversation consensus was: “I can still create. I still have passion. I still have life. And 'The Laundry Can Wait’”–which became the title of their final piece, an incredible showcase of original contemporary dance performances.

Summer Artist-in-Residence Lydia Viscardi brings her love of combining varied media with her passion for narratives to inspire clients at our Women’s Mental Health Shelter and Older Adult Centers. “I am encouraging the clients, who hail from all over the world, to combine media to create engaging artworks, and to tell their own fascinating stories through pictures.”⁠

"It is so worthwhile to have this kind of help at a neighborhood level."

Our Older Adult Center members enjoyed a special painting workshop facilitated by contemporary artist Gwen Hollingsworth, where the group learned how to paint a house in the styles of artists Martin Wong and Edward Hopper.

"At the Women’s Shelter, we witness lives change for the better. But we frequently see setbacks also. What keeps us going is a focus on the patient–the person–with an element of humility. It's not my accomplishment if someone improves her health or situation. It’s her story–her life–that we have the privilege of walking alongside to help write with love and courage." - Dr. Soyoun Im, Acting Chief of Medicine, Northwell Health-Lenox Hill Hospital

We are always thrilled to welcome our friends from Repertorio Español for unique theater programming! The supremely talented company brought their original show “La Gringa”–the longest-running off-Broadway Spanish language play–to the stage at our Older Adult Center @ Saint Peter’s Church.

"What you all have done with so vastly upgrading the quality of food provided–not only those you serve but steering other institutions in that direction–well, it's just so fabulous and right."

Such fun for our colleagues at our Staff Paint & Sip sessions, where budding artists enjoyed “Acrylic on Canvas Exploration” and “Block Printing Tote Bags” workshops with our friends from Private Picassos.

Irene never had the opportunity to learn to swim when she was younger, as she was busy raising kids and working. After her medical provider recommended aquatic exercise, she signed up for lessons at our pool. "I feel much more comfortable in the water. The whole environment is so friendly, and members encourage each other all the time. I don't have to be the champion, but I like to move in the water, especially for my health."⁠

Selina Hernandez, mother of two students in our Early Childhood Center, published the wonderful children's book I Like Pink! A Story About Self-Acceptance–an uplifting tale about an enthusiastic boy who shows his friend that it's okay to be who you are.

After seeing our Early Childhood Center students and teachers in action, a generous client from our Caregiver program donated subscriptions of Ranger Rick magazine for our young readers to enjoy.

What an impressive array of performances at “Talent is Timeless,” a citywide competition for members of older adult centers organized by NYC Aging. Participants dazzled with a variety of acts, including acting, singing, dancing and stand-up comedy. We were proud to host the Regional Round, joined by State Senator Liz Krueger and City Council Member Gale Brewer, where members across mid-Manhattan proved that age is just a number.

Members of our Older Adult Centers visited the Hudson River Wetlab, where they learned about the myriad native flora and fauna that call the Hudson River their home.

In collaboration with our community partner SU-CASA, older adult members crafted creative and colorful masks in a unique mask-making workshop.

"When I come here, I always say, 'I'm coming home.'"

Adding to our wide array of weekly activities, our Knitting & Crocheting class at our Older Adult Center @ Saint Peter's Church is always a hit with members!

Students from our Starlight Classroom celebrated the completion of their unit on race cars and teamwork with their very own Grand Prix event.

Families from our Early Childhood Center rejoiced in a field trip to the American Museum of Natural History, where our young explorers enjoyed learning about biodiversity, North American habitats and, of course, dinosaurs!

Technology Education volunteers help to bring critical technology assistance to older adults in our community.

Our students stepped into their dancing shoes for a special month-long adventure in tap dance! Guided by our multitalented Dance Teacher Hannah Swanson, the young dancers mastered foundational tap steps and learned about the history of this beautiful and fun art form.

“Ming was hesitant to take part in the special holiday cookie decorating workshop. Admitting she had never decorated a cookie before, Ming agreed to participate if I guided her. We had a great time, and she was really interested in using the sprinkles to make decorative details. Moments like these remind me how meaningful our community center is.” - Amanda Gerulski, Community Outreach Specialist

“What would Brandon say?” Older Adult Center member Cynthia thinks to herself whenever she faces a daunting physical challenge. Cynthia regularly attends Fitness Instructor Brandon Dottin’s exercise classes, which leave her feeling empowered and more comfortable stepping outside of her comfort zone.

Members of our Older Adult Centers love to get together year-round for spirited pickleball matches in our state-of-the-art fitness facilities.

Our Early Childhood Center students benefit from weekly swimming instruction with our Aquatics team as they learn water safety and develop a lifelong love for swimming.

Our friends at Bombas donated 2,000 pairs of durable socks to our Neighborhood House community, including to children and families, older adults, caregivers and unhoused and formerly unhoused clients.

In celebration of Lunar New Year, members enjoyed a fabulous lineup of special events and workshops including calligraphy, dumpling making, lantern hanging, music and dance performances.

Our Teaching Kitchen team's first international training, working virtually with a group from Bryony House in Nova Scotia, Canada!

Sing for Hope violinist Victoria Paterson shares the joy of music with participants in CARE, our award-winning arts-based day program for older adults living with dementia.

In these impressive and engaging sessions, students share their in-depth learnings on specific curricular themes through song, dance, artwork, dioramas–and more! Our young scholars showcase their confidence and development with families and classmates while demonstrating expert knowledge on topics such as wind, animal habitats, global cultures, birds, plants, water and seeds.

Clients in our Caregiver Program enjoy days of respite, self-care and community connection at quarterly Caregiver Appreciation Days organized by our stellar colleagues.⁠

Participants from our Intergenerational Theater Project wowed a packed audience with their imaginative and original play, “The Candy Castle Chronicles,” the culminating performance of a 10-week session that fosters meaningful connections across generations. Facilitated by our Visual & Performing Arts team, the actors constructed story outlines, developed characters, wrote the script and shared their comedic performance with our community!

Learning to swim was on Marva's bucket list. With our Aquatics team, she conquered her fear of water. Now, Marva attends a variety of our Aquatics classes, and her paintings in our Art classes are inspired by the water. "Starting off, the fear was paralyzing. I found that with that freedom, that experience, it made me open to other things, surprisingly–like my art, just tackling the unknown, tackling things I didn't think I could do."

Congratulations to Teaching Kitchen Chef Brianne Ross on being named one of New York City’s 40 Under 40 Rising Stars in Food Policy! Chef Brianne joined a prestigious list of policymakers, advocates, educators, researchers, farmers, food workers and innovators who work tirelessly to make New York City’s food systems healthier, sustainable and more equitable for all.

Preschooler Issa enjoys making a delicious cake with his classmates for his birthday–a monthly tradition in collaboration with our chefs to celebrates our students' special days!

Residents of Casa Mutua, along with our Homelessness Prevention Program Director Gina Reitmeier, spent a fun-filled day at the American Museum of Natural History as part of our ongoing efforts to foster community among our clients.

Our Early Childhood Center colleagues Paramita Das and Yhamiles Narvaez traveled to Portland, Oregon to participate in the Head Start National Conference, where they shared strategies and techniques to better serve our community.

Our Centers held a lovely dance workshop in collaboration with our friends from Dances for a Variable Population. The group loves exploring movement and music through this inclusive program promoting strength and creativity among our members.

"I wanted to volunteer to connect with society, help someone and meet other people. Volunteering also gives me the chance to practice my English. When I serve food at the Center and the people say ‘thank you,’ it makes me happy."

Patricia integrates data into our daily work and shares that, “by understanding the needs of our colleagues, who understand the strengths and needs of our clients, it ensures better quality data which leads to the highest quality services.”

Students from our Advanced English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class traveled to the Brooklyn Museum to see Utagawa Hiroshige's "100 Famous Views of Edo" exhibit. We encourage students to practice their language skills outside the classroom, from taking public transportation and asking directions to describing the artwork and interacting with museum guides.

TKC (The Korean Channel), the first Korean American cable television station, featured a special Korean dancing and singing performance at our Older Adult Centers organized in collaboration with our members.