by Ian Haisley | Sep 29, 2025 | News, Program Updates
At Hall Neighborhood House, we believe that creativity is a powerful tool for learning and self-expression, and that’s why we started our new Art Club this fall! Led by artist and teacher, Mia English. Art Club is a space where kids can explore different art forms, learn about influential artists, and develop their creative voice.
We sat down with Mia to ask her about her passion for art, the inspiration behind the program, and why she believes giving kids a place to express themselves through art is more important than ever.
Can you start by introducing yourself?
My name is Mia English, and I am a creator and artist with over half a decade of experience in the arts. I’ve worked at Hall Neighborhood House for more than three years, where I’ve had the joy of walking alongside children and helping guide their passions and understanding of art.
Why are you excited to be part of the Art Club at Hall Neighborhood House?
I am so excited to lead the Art Club because it provides a unique opportunity to dive deeper into the origins of art and how we play a role in it today. I look forward to exploring art history, different mediums, and creative techniques with children—helping them not only create but also interpret and understand art on a deeper level.
Why do you think art is important for young people?
I believe art is vital for young people because it is all around us. It shapes the clothes we wear, the advertisements we see, the music we listen to, and so much more. When children learn to engage with art, they go beyond simply looking at it; they begin to understand its meaning and how it connects to their lives. Throughout history, art has carried stories and messages, and when children recognize that, they can embrace art as a form of knowledge that helps them better understand the world around them. I am also excited to give them the language and tools to interpret and talk about art with confidence, so they can express not only what they see but also what they feel and understand.
What mediums/styles do you enjoy most? Do you have any artists you look to for inspiration?
My favorite mediums are collage and painting, though I’ve recently begun working with pottery, which I love because of the way it engages the hands in creating. I’ve also enjoyed ceramics in the past. Some artists who inspire me include Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Wassily Kandinsky, Faith Ringgold, and Jacob Lawrence.
What are you most excited about in the semester ahead? What are you looking forward to teaching students?
Looking ahead, I am most excited to go into greater depth with students—exploring topics of art history, learning about different artists and techniques, and giving children the chance to experiment with these techniques themselves. With the time and space Art Club provides, I can’t wait to foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence in each student as they grow in their artistic journey.
Whether your child already loves to draw or is just starting to explore the world of art, Art Club is a welcoming place for creative growth. Interested in signing up or learning more? Email us at [email protected].
by Ian Haisley | Nov 5, 2025 | About Hall, News
As the leaves turn and the season of gratitude begins, we have so much to celebrate here at Hall Neighborhood House!
We recently cut the ribbon on our brand-new Senior Center Deck, hosted our first Health Fair, completed the renovation of our lower level, celebrated our teachers, and enjoyed some Halloween fun at our annual Trunk or Treat.
We’re excited to share all that’s been happening at Hall, including a spotlight on two teachers, Mia English and Ms. Lashana, and a sneak peek at our upcoming Thanksgiving meal distribution.
Thank you, as always, for being part of the Hall community. Your support makes every story here possible!
Cutting the Ribbon on Hall’s New Senior Center Deck
We officially cut the ribbon on our brand new Senior Center Deck! This beautiful space is already bringing joy, sunshine, and connection to our seniors—offering a place to relax, play games, and watch the children from our Early Learning Program play on the playground below.
As one senior shared, “The new deck gives us a chance to have breakfast outside and enjoy the sunshine.”
Huge thanks to Impact Fairfield County, Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging (SWCAA), Fairfield Giving Circle, and Westport National Bank (Connecticut Community Bank, N.A.) for helping make this dream a reality.
Lower Level Renovation Complete
We’re thrilled to share that renovations to our lower level are complete! This newly updated space will become the home for our youth programs, allowing us to expand our infant/toddler offerings on the first floor. It’s a big step forward in making our building more functional, welcoming, and responsive to our community’s growing needs.
Meet Mia English!
Meet Mia English, artist, educator, and the heart behind our brand-new Art Club at Hall Neighborhood House! Art Club gives kids a space to explore their creativity, dive into art history, and express themselves in new and meaningful ways.
To hear what fuels Mia’s passion for teaching and why she believes art is essential for every child, read our full Q&A with her at hallneighborhoodhouse.org/mia-english-interview >>
A Boo-tiful Night of Fun
Thank you to everyone who made our Trunk or Treat celebration an incredible event! Your support created a fantastic, safe Halloween experience for the Hall community—complete with creative costumes, decked-out trunks, and plenty of treats.
A special thank-you to the amazing students from Sacred Heart University, Fairfield University, and Bridgeport University who volunteered their time, decorated trunks, and generously donated candy. Your energy and generosity made the night extra memorable for our families!
Celebrating Our Teachers
On October 5, we recognized our incredible teachers on World Teacher Day! These amazing educators shape young minds every day by sparking curiosity, nurturing growth, and laying the groundwork for a lifetime of learning.
We also highlighted Ms. Lashana, our amazing Head Teacher in C108! For the past 10 years, Ms. Lashana has been a beloved part of the Hall family. She has a passion for working with young children and creating nurturing spaces where they can learn and thrive.
“I love being a teacher because I want to advocate for my children and support their growth and their future.”
Read more about Ms. Lashana, including her favorite memories at Hall, at hallneighborhoodhouse.org/meet-ms-lashana >>
Mental Health Awareness Month
October is Mental Health Awareness Month, and at Hall, we know that mental health is essential to our overall well-being. That’s why we offer social work resources and mental health support for our neighbors of all ages, in partnership with Southwest Community Health Center (SWCHC).
Learn more about our mental and behavioral health services and how to book an individual appointment or join a group session at hallneighborhoodhouse.org/health-center >>
Our First Health Fair Brought Care to the Community
On October 2, we welcomed more than 200 people to our very first Health Fair, and it was a huge success!
In partnership with Yale New Haven’s Bridgeport Hospital, we welcomed our community to an afternoon filled with health resources, free screenings, and expert conversations on topics like psychiatry, nutrition, breast cancer awareness, pediatrics, and geriatrics.
Guests received giveaways, blood pressure checks, flu vaccines from Bridgeport Pharmacy, and hearing and vision screenings from Bridgeport University nursing students.
A big thank you to all of our partners, including Bridgeport Hospital, SWCAA, UB’s Fones School of Dental Hygiene, and our very own HNH LEADS youth ambassador with Sevaro!
We’re so proud to bring events like this to our community.
Looking Ahead: Thanksgiving Meal Distribution
Thanks to the continued generosity of the Carl Palmieri Turkey Drive and Friends, who are once again supporting this effort both financially and by helping distribute the meals, we’ll be providing hundreds of our neighbors with a full Thanksgiving dinner, complete with turkeys and all the trimmings.
Together, we’re making the season a little brighter for families across our community!
by Ian Haisley | Sep 24, 2025 | About Hall, News
Fall is in full swing here at Hall Neighborhood House! Students are back to school, seniors have a new space to spend time, and our team has made amazing progress on new facilities and programs.
I love the energy this season brings—there is a buzz in the hallways and so much enthusiasm for the year ahead. I encourage you to stop by and experience it for yourself! If you’d like to schedule a visit or tour, please contact Nick Sentementes at [email protected] or 203-692-4598. We’d love to show you around!
Thank you for being part of our community, and thank you for investing in so many great opportunities for our neighbors on the East Side of Bridgeport. Together, we are making life better.
New Youth Clubs Starting October 6th
Art Club
We’re committed to supporting students and helping them thrive, both in and out of the classroom. Did you know that one of the best ways to support learning, cognitive development, relaxation, connection, and more is through the arts?
U.S. News and World Report noted that, “Arts education can help kids engage with school and reduce stress, develop social-emotional and interpersonal skills, enrich their experiences, handle constructive criticism, bolster academic achievement, and improve focus.”
That’s why we’re so excited to launch our new Art Club at Hall this fall! Thank you to everyone who supported this initiative! We can’t wait to see what our students create!
STEM Club
We’re also excited to launch our new STEM Club, an extension of our existing programs through the Alan Wallack STEM Learning Center, which already serves over 14,000 students in 28 Bridgeport public schools.
This new club will give students even more opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on, project-based learning. From building drones and tackling engineering challenges to coding, robotics, science experiments, and even rocketry—students will dive deeper into the world of STEM in fun and meaningful ways.
Lower Level Construction Update
Renovations to our lower level are moving along beautifully—and we’re right on track for completion by September 25!
With new HVAC, lighting, and ceiling work already completed, we’re now finishing up the floors. Once it’s done, this renovated space will become the new home for our youth programs, allowing us to expand our childcare offerings.
Mark Your Calendar for Trunk or Treat!
Halloween is just around the corner—and at Hall Neighborhood House, that means it’s time for one of our favorite traditions: Trunk or Treat!
Each year, Hall families come together in our parking lot for an evening of safe, family-friendly fun. Volunteers—many of whom return year after year—decorate the trunks of their cars, put on costumes, and hand out candy. It’s a festive, joyful event that brings together parents, teachers, and student volunteers from the University of Bridgeport, Fairfield University, and Sacred Heart University.
This year’s Trunk or Treat will take place on Friday, October 24, from 5:00–6:30 p.m., and we’d love for you to be part of the fun! There’s always room for more decorated trunks and more candy to share.
If you’d like to join the celebration by decorating a trunk or donating candy, please reach out to Cheryl Delaney at [email protected] or 203-345-2045 for more information.
Preschool Graduation
In August, we celebrated our 57 amazing preschool graduates (90% of whom spent their first five years at Hall) as they wrapped up their time at Hall and headed off to kindergarten. It was awesome to honor their curiosity, creativity, and kindness, which have brightened our classrooms—and we’re cheering them on as they bring this same energy to kindergarten at their new schools!
Fall is in Full Swing
This fall, we’re thrilled to welcome students back to Hall Neighborhood House for our after-school and HNH LEADS programs!
Our after-school program includes homework help and dinner as well as engaging activities in STEM, art, and cooking as part of the regular curriculum, helping students explore their interests in creative and hands-on ways.
We’re also excited to kick off our HNH LEADS program for the new year. This fall, students will visit both familiar and new college campuses through our series of college open house trips. We’re also proud to introduce a new debate and public speaking component led by an alumnus of the program—giving students a chance to build confidence and communication skills. And to ensure more students can participate meaningfully, we’re adding virtual sessions on Fridays for those who need extra support or more flexible scheduling.
Senior Deck Ribbon Cutting
You’re invited! Please join us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of our brand-new senior center deck at Hall Neighborhood House at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 25.
Together, we’ll celebrate the grand opening of our new, welcoming, and accessible outdoor space, which we hope will be a gathering place for relaxation, connection, intergenerational interaction, and wellness programming for our senior community.
Please RSVP for the ceremony to Cheryl Delaney at [email protected].
Free Dental Cleanings Are Back!
Students from the Fones School of Dental Hygiene have returned to Hall for the fall semester and are offering free dental cleanings and X-rays every Monday.
This ongoing partnership allows us to provide the community with high-quality, no-cost dental hygiene services, while giving Fones students valuable hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art dental clinic.
To schedule your dental care, call Dianne Lillicraf at 203-345-2059.
Staff Training Sets the Stage for a Great Year
Before the start of the school year, our staff participated in comprehensive training sessions covering a range of important topics. These trainings ensured that we were fully prepared to provide the highest quality education while keeping the safety and well-being of our children at the center of everything we do.
Expanding Our Early Learning Program
We’re thrilled to share that the State is adding 12 additional infant/toddler slots (for children ages birth to 2 years) to our Early Learning Program this October/November. This expansion is a wonderful recognition of the quality care we provide—and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to welcome more children and support even more families in our community.
by Ian Haisley | Aug 29, 2025 | About Hall, News
We’ve had an amazing summer here at Hall Neighborhood House! From college visits and Broadway shows to rock climbing, basketball, and beachside Bingo, our community has been learning, growing, and connecting in so many different ways.
We’re excited to share just a few highlights, including the achievements of our HNH LEADS students, a special celebration of STEM education in Bridgeport, and a sneak peek at creative programs launching this fall.
Thank you for being part of everything we do! Your support makes these moments—and the lasting impact they spark—possible.
HNH LEADS High School Students Soar This Summer
Our HNH LEADS students have been expanding their horizons through unforgettable experiences this summer.
In July, students got a glimpse of college life during a visit to Columbia University in New York City. They toured the campus, connected with current students, and experienced the atmosphere of a top-tier university. To cap off the trip, they enjoyed a Broadway performance of Hell’s Kitchen, Alicia Keys’ hit musical.
Back home, they pushed their limits during a rock climbing adventure that built confidence and teamwork, then took a behind-the-scenes tour of Straton Industries, a precision manufacturing company in Stratford, CT. Hosted by company leaders, students explored real-world applications of engineering and technology, and some even expressed new interest in STEM careers.
Experiences like these are at the heart of the LEADS program, which equips high schoolers with the tools, exposure, and mentorship they need to thrive in school and life!
A Toast to STEM Success in Bridgeport
On July 22, we gathered with partners, supporters, and friends to celebrate the incredible milestone of bringing Alan Wallack STEM Learning Centers to 28 Bridgeport public schools, impacting more than 14,000 students with hands-on science and technology learning.
Together, we reflected on how far we’ve come, shared our hopes for what’s next, and raised a glass to our community, whose continued support is making these opportunities possible for Bridgeport’s students.
Special thanks to Interim Superintendent, Dr. Royce Avery, for attending the event and supporting the rollout of the Alan Wallack STEM Learning Center in Bridgeport Public Schools!
Bingo at Seaside Park
Our senior neighbors recently took their Bingo cards to Seaside Park for a fun-filled field trip! It was a great opportunity for them to connect and enjoy some fresh air and a change of scenery.
You can learn more about our senior services and how we care for neighbors of all ages at hallneighborhoodhouse.org/senior-services.
A Slam Dunk Summer
Thanks to the incredible generosity of the HMR Cup—a group dedicated to supporting underprivileged children—48 middle schoolers (24 girls and 24 boys) spent an unforgettable 4 weeks this summer sharpening their basketball skills, building confidence, and experiencing life on a college campus.
Many of these kids rarely get the chance to leave Bridgeport, so this was an amazing opportunity for them to learn from Division I basketball players at Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University, practice in state-of-the-art gyms, and dream big for their futures!
Thank you to Noreaga Davis and Drew Barlaam for ensuring all the campers got to camp and back to Hall Neighborhood House safely.
Back to School, Back to Creativity!
This fall, we’re launching an Art Club at Hall Neighborhood House! As we help students gear up for a new school year, we’re also creating space for imagination, confidence, and connection to thrive.
Twice a week, students will gather to explore painting, drawing, sculpture, and more, led by our amazing art teacher, who has been building relationships and investing in our students for the past three years. They’ll explore famous artists and styles from Modern to Renaissance, create unique masterpieces using fun materials like watercolor, clay, and pastels, express their creativity, and share their work in exciting group projects and art showcases!
Early Learning Center Earns Top Marks in State & National Inspections
At Hall Neighborhood House, our Early Learning Center strives to meet (and exceed) the highest standards in early childhood education. Over the past few months, our program underwent rigorous inspections from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Office of Early Childhood (OEC), and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
We’re proud to share that not only did we meet all compliance requirements, but we also earned special recognition for the quality of our program:
- NAEYC: Over 90% compliance in most components, with a perfect 100% score in family engagement.
- OEC: Commended for our strong classroom engagement between our staff and children.
- CACFP: Named one of the top large childcare programs in the state. Our Early Learners receive breakfast, lunch, and snacks, and our after-school program students receive a snack and dinner.
These exceptional results are a direct reflection of the dedication, skill, and heart of our Early Learning team, led by Early Learning Director Hector Burgos. Hector’s leadership and tireless commitment to children and families help set the standard for what early education can be.
We are grateful to our entire team for making Hall a place where every child can learn, grow, and thrive!
by Ian Haisley | Aug 22, 2025 | News, Program Updates
At Hall, we believe in the power of real-world experiences to inspire students and expand their vision for the future. This summer, our HNH LEADS high school students got to see careers in action by visiting Straton Industries, a precision manufacturing company based in Stratford, CT.
Straton Industries—an expert in aerospace, defense, and semiconductor solutions—opened its doors to our students for a behind-the-scenes look at how innovation and engineering come to life. Hosted by company president Dave Cremin, along with Rob Castiglia and Dave Coulson, the tour offered students a first-hand view of career paths in manufacturing and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). A few students even expressed interest in learning more about careers in the field!
Outings like this are at the heart of the LEADS program, which helps students take meaningful steps toward college and career readiness. A big thank you to Straton Industries for welcoming our students and supporting their journey to a bright future!
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