We had an amazing time at our annual Celebrity Breakfast with Yale Coach James Jones and ESPN analyst Seth Greenberg. It was fascinating to hear their take on the college transfer portal system and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) money for college athletes, and how these policies are affecting the college athletic landscape. We are so grateful to everyone who joined us for this fun (and delicious) breakfast!
But the Celebrity Breakfast isn’t just about great stories and food—it’s about rallying behind the mission of Hall Neighborhood House. Thanks to your presence and energy, we were reminded of the strength and generosity of our partners and friends.
Thank you for being part of the breakfast—and thank you for being part of the Hall Neighborhood House community!
Meet Our Volunteer of the Year
Meet Dave Mahder, Hall Neighborhood House’s Volunteer of the Year!
Dave enjoyed a career spanning more than 40 years as a marketing executive in the insurance and consumer products industries before retiring in 2021. In retirement, he was eager to give back to the community. Two years ago, Hall Neighborhood House invited him to support our High School LEADS (Learn, Engage, Aspire, Deliver, Succeed) program. Hall connected him with the program’s coordinator, and soon after, Dave began tutoring and mentoring students as they prepared for life beyond high school.
“I have tremendous respect for Hall and its selfless staff—it’s an amazing place,” Dave shared. “The LEADS program has been a vital part of the lives of the high school students who participate. Many of them didn’t believe they could go to college, but the program gave them the resources and the confidence to make that happen. It is a joy getting to know these students and helping them with college applications and essays. They have given me much more than I have given them.”
Words of Gratitude for Dave Mahder from LEADS Students
Kelaia, Class of 2024: “Dave’s desire to help us was inspiring and admirable. I appreciate how willing he was and I could tell how genuine he was. I thank him for his helping hand and encouraging words.”
Del’vondre, Class of 2024: “Mr. Dave is a great man, and I could tell that he genuinely enjoyed helping us. He goes above and beyond to build a connection and truly help. This went beyond just the program’s hours. He would do his best to help me even when nobody asked him to. When I got accepted to Fairfield, he personally brought me and three others up to see the campus and back when it was time to apply. He went out of his way to send a recommendation on my behalf, which is one of the reasons I credit for my acceptance. His role for me went beyond just being a volunteer, and he evolved into a mentor for me. Advising me on things in life when he could have just left it at being a volunteer, but he decided to go above and beyond, and I’m grateful for that.”
Celebrations at Hall Neighborhood House
Father’s Day was extra special as our Early Learning students celebrated with their dads, grandpas, and uncles! The following week, the Youth Program wrapped up the school year with celebrations and big achievements. All six LEADS seniors are off to college this fall, and our incredible SAT Prep instructor earned another Master’s degree!
Finally, we celebrated Teacher Appreciation Day. Our Early Learning Program is led by more than 100 teachers, assistant teachers, aides, and coordinators, who oversee 274 children. Thank you, teachers! We are so grateful for you!
An Alan Wallack STEM Learning Center Dedication
In June, Larry & Sheila Merriam helped us dedicate The Alan Wallack STEM Learning Center at Thomas Hooker School to Larry’s parents, Rose and Sam Merriam.
As a former Barnum Festival Ringmaster, Larry was joined by his fellow Ringmasters to celebrate this heartfelt tribute and exciting new resource for students!
With Hall Neighborhood House STEM Centers now active in 28 Bridgeport Public Schools, we’re reaching over 14,000 students with hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and math. These STEM products and activities would not be available to Bridgeport Public Schools without Hall’s involvement and investment.
Learn more about The Alan Wallack STEM Learning Center at Hall Neighborhood House at hallneighborhoodhouse.org/stem.
Lower Level Update
We’ve made great progress on our renovations to Hall’s lower level, and we cannot wait to be able to use this space! Our youth will move downstairs, creating more room for us to expand our childcare programs.
Coming Up This Summer…
- Youth summer camp! Make sure you’re following Hall Neighborhood House on Facebook and Instagram to see photos of all of our campers’ awesome activities.
- Senior social activities. We love planning fun opportunities and outings for our senior community!
48 local boys and girls are attending basketball camp at Sacred Heart University and Fairfield University at no cost because of the generosity of the HMR Cup, which supports underprivileged children.
Thank YOU for being part of the Hall family.
We’re grateful for your support and all the ways you help build community, connection, and care here in Bridgeport.