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HISTORY OF HALL NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE
In 1886, a group of community minded women started an organization called Associated Charities to help young migrant families from overseas and rural areas adjust to life in the growing industrious city of Bridgeport, Connecticut. In 1901, Mrs. Sarah Hall donated her home on Golden Hill Street as a residence for young women. The residents of "Hall Home" received training in domestic work and light manufacturing skills. Near the turn of the century the agency added visiting nurse services to its program. Day nursery services were established in recognition of the growing needs of working mothers with small children. Hall Home paved the way for the Visiting Nurse's Association, the YMCA and other specialized health and social welfare programs that are vital parts of the community today. In 1914, the agency relocated its services to two residences on South Main Street. Social and recreational services for local parents and children were offered in one residence while the other building housed the day nursery programs. In 1923, through the generosity of Mrs. Summer Simpson and the Frank Miller Estate, a second day nursery was established on the West Side of the city. Hall Home continued to expand and moved to its present day location on the east side in 1951 next to the Father Panik Village public housing complex and became Hall Neighborhood House. The housing site was demolished in 1994 and a new residential community has been developed. Hall Neighborhood House has continued to expand and is a leader in providing social services in the community. The organization offers programs and services in child care and pre-school, youth life skills and mentoring, music and the performing arts, recreation, senior citizen activities and senior citizen activities and senior housing, business and economic-community developing planning.
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