| Neighborhood House, and I'm so honored to be part of a great organization celebrating 90 years. Even more important is that we continue on our original mission when you look at the diversity of the people here today. I think we have demonstrated over the last 90 years that we're here for the whole community and we will continue to do that." As program and youth director, Benford is focused on how the Center can best serve people from birth to death. "My number one job is to develop holistic programming and make sure that it's sustainable and it's exactly what the community needs," he explained. "So my job is never done ... and if I have to mop floors, I mop floors; I was dishes, I cook, and that's how it is when you're working in a community center!" Mayor David Cieslewicz acknowledged the impact created by the founding of the Neighborhood House on other neighborhoods in Madison. "It really started a movement for neighborhood centers in our community," Cieslewicz noted. "Neighborhood centers are great for connecting people to their community. I've got the chance to take a brief tour and I saw those kids playing ... they form mentoring relationships; they meet one another; they form warm, long-lasting friendships, and they are kids from different backgrounds. Neighborhood Centers connect people in ways that you can't necessarily figure out when you start." The mayor was jokingly referring to people in the crowd who met their future spouses at Neighborhood House. He then reported that in the last budget session, he was able to restore the budgets for all the neighborhood centers and actually increase the funding for community services by 6.4 percent. This drew a big applause from the audience. "This place started 90 years ago, and it was all about immigrants," Cieslewicz said, as he started to recap a neighborhood history in a few words. "It was all about really trying to acclimate people and throw people in the melting pot. That was the idea of assimilation back in 1916. And now it's got a much more sophisticated idea of how to make people welcome and comfortable and productive in their community without making them leave behind things that make them unique. I really appreciate as mayor the important work that gets done here and in other neighborhood centers." Neighborhood House initially "served as a social and educational focal point for the European immigrants, primarily Italian, living in what is still known as the Greenbush Neighborhood," according to its history. Soon, the Center held classes in English, sewing and childcare, which were then the most pressing needs of the new citizens of the neighborhood. Later on, sessions on citizenship and leadership development were created to help neighbors exercise their rights and responsibilities. Today, as Weyenberg confirmed, "Neighborhood House continues its tradition of providing basic resources and social, educational and recreational programming for people of all ages and walks of life." The center offers comprehensive programs for youth, adults, and seniors. In addition to offering special events and outings throughout the year, Neighborhood House also provides organizational support and technical assistance to various groups, as well as space for neighborhood and special interest organizations. At the celebration, Ballet Folklorico Mexico de los Hermanos Avila, the Morris Dancers, and the Bolivian Manta Dancers expressed their gratitude to Neighborhood House staff for allowing the use of its halls and/or rooms for rehearsals and meetings for years. The various world-class dance numbers from the groups presented entertained the crowd so well, and truly displayed the encouraging environment of the neighbors in this community. Jesus Avila acknowledged how they started in the Center and grew from there. Nowadays, Ballet Folklorico has been doing performances throughout the United States. "I am very very happy today," Weyenberg said, teary eyed. "I'm happy to see our friends celebrating with us. We've been part of the community for a very long time, and we want to just keep on going!" Neighborhood House needs your support through your donation/contribution. Last year, Neighborhood House provided programs and services for over 5,000 Madison area residents. With your support, the Center can continue to offer key programs and services that mean so much to the people in our community. In addition there are many opportunities to volunteer at Neighborhood House. If interested, please contact the staff at (608) 255-5337. |
| Neighborhood House Community Center Serving Madison for 90 years |
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| Heidi M. Pascual* Publisher & Editor Asian Wisconzine * 2006 Journalist of the Year, State of Wisconsin (U.S.-SBA) |
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| (Clockwise from right) Linda Weyenberg receives a recognition award from other Community Center executive directors throughout Madison; world-class Ballet Folklorico Mexico performs; (l-r) Roberta Gassman, Brian Benford, Lester Pines, and Mayor Dave Cieslewicz; a Bolivian Manta dancer shows the grace and beauty of a lively folk dance. |
| Linda Weyenberg was speechless and couldn't control her tears when her name was called to receive a recognition award signed by other executive directors of community centers throughout the city of Madison. Weyenberg, executive director of Neighborhood House Community Center -- the oldest neighborhood/community center in Madison -- was leading the celebration of the Center's 90th birthday last fall, entertaining city officials/guests, and watching the big turnout of attendees, when the surprise award was announced and read byTom Solyst, executive director of Vera Court Community Center. "To Linda Weyenberg: In honor of your many years of dedicated service on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the founding of Neighborhood House Community Center, with our greatest respect and admiration." Signatories included, Tom Moen, Becky Steinhoff, Tom Solyst, Paul Terranova, Gary Callis, and Marsha Hendrickson. What has the Neighborhood House accomplished that countless Madisonians are so grateful for? Emcee Andy Heidt was the first to acknowledge its work. "It's our 90th year and we continue to work as closely with as many people and families as we can to help them get on a path to their dream," Heidt said proudly. "Between our youth program targeting our kids to try to excel in school, to spread their wings and find great ways to have fun; our elderly program and our food pantry program that provides critical basic resources to folks in need, we continue to grow!" Friends and neighbors present among the audience belonged to the cross-section of Madison, and each of them, Heidt assured every one, had a story to tell about how Neighborhood House helped them. "There are so many amazing stories in this crowd, so many leaders and future leaders whose past, their present, and their future have been tied with Neighborhood House in so many beautiful ways," he said, scanning briefly around the room, then citing some who have now become "household names," including Ed Holmes, now principal of West High School, and Roberta Gassman, now Secretary of the Department of Workforce Development. Heidt handed out several recognition awards to staff and volunteers whose efforts have helped Neighborhood House attain its goals through the years. Brian Benford, program and youth director, was so excited and happy to see the big crowd whose lives have been interconnected through the Neighborhood House Community Center. "This celebration is really incredible!" Benford exclaimed. "I've been here for a year-and-a-half, and during that time, I read about the history of the |
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