As we continue celebrating 140 years of Hall Neighborhood House, we’re looking back at where it all began and honoring how deeply those roots still guide our work today.
From Hall’s very first house to its downtown locations to our move to the East Side in 1957, we have cared for our neighbors and maintained an unwavering commitment to serve Bridgeport families.
That same spirit is still reflected today, and we’re excited to share a few updates with you from the past month. Keep reading to learn more about the staff who shape our programs every day, students filling the halls with Black History Month projects, celebrations shared across generations, and the lasting legacy of Ms. Diane Harvin.
Thank you for being part of this community!
Also, don’t forget to follow Hall Neighborhood House on social media to see what’s happening in our community and stay up to date on programs, events, and the neighbors we serve.
History Corner: Where Was Hall Originally Located?
In 1901, Sarah Hall donated her home to provide a safe residence for young women. That house, known as the “Hall Home,” became Hall Neighborhood House’s very first location.
In the following years, Hall expanded into two residences in downtown Bridgeport and began offering nursery and childcare services—responding to the needs of working families.
It wasn’t until 1957 that Hall moved to its current home on the East Side of Bridgeport, near the former Father Panik Village public housing complex, deepening its connection to the surrounding community.
Heart of Hall
As we celebrate 140 years of Hall Neighborhood House, we’re also celebrating the people who make this place what it is.
Throughout the year, we’re honoring our team through our Heart of Hall Staff Raffle—a small but meaningful way to say thank you each month.
Our January winner was Brittany Smith. When she entered the raffle, Brittany shared her favorite Hall memory, saying, “Getting to see all my past students come back and visit!!” Brittany won a gift card, and we had a great time celebrating her with delicious cupcakes featuring the 140th anniversary logo.
Our February winner was Ms. Leyda, who said, “I’m always teaching, training, motivating, and encouraging. I’ve taught everybody, and they’ve taught me.” In honor of Valentine’s Day, she won a big box of chocolates, and all the staff received heart-shaped retractable badge holders with the 140th-year logo and a card that said they were loved and appreciated.
We are grateful to our team for being the Heart of Hall!
Black History Month
In February, students and teachers decorated our halls with beautiful art, inspirational quotes, and educational murals to celebrate Black History Month.
In classrooms and conversations, students learned about inspiring Black leaders and the impact of African American culture. In addition to studying well-known historical figures, students also dove into the stories of everyday people whose strength and vision continue to shape communities like ours.
Valentine’s Day Celebrations
Love was in the air as we celebrated Valentine’s Day on February 14! Our Early Childhood classrooms were full of handmade cards and dress-up fun, while our older adults planned a celebration of their own with music and sweet treats.
Flowers for Our Older Adults
Two high school volunteers from A Flower To Empower visited the Hall Senior Center with handmade flowers for our older adults. We are so grateful that they took the time to create something by hand and deliver it with care!
Honoring Ms. Diane Harvin
Our gym floor looks beautiful after being refinished and getting a special name added to it: Diane Harvin.
For nearly 50 years, Ms. Harvin walked these halls, taught generations of children, and poured her creativity and care into Hall Neighborhood House. Now, her name is part of the space where so many of those memories were made.
We’re proud to honor her in a way that will be seen and remembered for years to come.
Free Dental Care at Hall
Take care of your smile right here at Hall Neighborhood House!
Dr. Peter Ferrara, DMD, offers free general dentistry with support from the Fones School of Dental Hygiene at Hall. Services include preventive care, fillings, extractions, denture repairs and adjustments, removable dentures, and palliative care to relieve pain and keep you comfortable.
Call Melissa Gabriel at 203-904-3784 to learn more or schedule your appointment.