September 2025 Newsletter
One Crisis Shouldn’t Disrupt a Child’s Care
At Neighborhood House, we know that for many of the families we serve, it only takes one unexpected expense, a medical bill, job loss, or car repair, to throw everything off track. With an average annual household income of $42,000 and a typical family size of four, even a short-term crisis can threaten a child’s access to safe, reliable care.
That’s why our Hardship Assistance Program exists. When families experience temporary financial setbacks, we adjust their sliding-scale tuition so their children can continue learning, growing, and thriving with stability. This support not only helps children stay in school and on track, but it also gives parents time to recover without fear of losing access to the care they rely on.
So far this year, we’ve provided over $65,000 in hardship assistance, helping families stay strong through challenging circumstances. The need continues to grow. Your gift ensures a short-term crisis doesn’t become a long-term disruption for a child or their family. Donate by clicking here to help provide stability in uncertain times.
Celebrating Talent Across Generations
This summer, Neighborhood House hosted our first integrated talent show, bringing together performers of all ages and abilities. It was the first time we combined our children’s and adult programs into one big show. The result was a big, enthusiastic crowd of families, friends, and caregivers, all cheering for every performer. More than 30 acts lit up the stage and created an unforgettable afternoon filled with music, laughter, and memories.
Highlights included staff members rapping songs from the musical Hamilton, ADS client Lacey bringing down the house with a Carrie Underwood classic, and our cheer club pumping up the crowd with a fun routine. Ballet West joined in with a number they choreographed for our students, puppets and skits drew smiles from the audience, and our 80-year-old resident artist Gayla amazed everyone by sketching a full scene in just two minutes.
The show not only celebrated the end of our summer session but also showcased what makes Neighborhood House so unique: a place where people of every age and ability come together to create joy, share talents, and cheer each other on.
Ready for Kindergarten, Full of Big Dreams!
Last week, our preschoolers proudly donned their caps and gowns and walked across the stage in front of their parents, grandparents, caregivers, and siblings, many of whom also grew up at Neighborhood House. Each child’s name was announced along with their “When I Grow Up” statement. Dreams ranged from becoming a policeman, nurse, princess, or cook, to one little graduate who simply said he wanted “to be a friend.”
One by one, classrooms joined the stage until all of our preschool graduates stood together, smiling and proud. At the end of the ceremony, the children tossed their caps into the air as families snapped photos and celebrated the milestone. It was a joyful, bittersweet moment, an end to one chapter and the beginning of many new adventures in kindergarten.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to ‘Especially for You, Your Downtown Florist’ for donating flowers to recognize our hardworking teachers, whose care and dedication made this moment possible.
Your gifts help keep quality childcare affordable for working Utah families. Together, we can ensure every child has access to accredited preschool, preparing them for kindergarten with confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning, while parents know their children are safe and supported.
Ignite the Spark, Embrace the Future!
Tent Party is less than two weeks away! Join us on Saturday, September 13, 2025, for an unforgettable night of cocktails, campus tours, dinner, and dancing under the stars, all to support Neighborhood House families. Every ticket you purchase helps keep our nationally accredited childcare and adult day services affordable through a sliding fee scale, ensuring families of all incomes can access the care they need. We are deeply grateful to our Tent Party Premiere Sponsor, the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, for their extraordinary support. We also thank our Presenting Sponsor, the Andrus Family Foundation, for their outstanding commitment, and extend heartfelt appreciation to our Legacy Sponsors, the Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation and Sara and Russell Wilcox for their generous contributions.
Our sincere appreciation and thanks also go out to our Heritage Sponsors, the Aguilar Family Fund, Shelley Anderson, Bamberger–Allen Health and Education Foundation, Comcast, Cyber Advisors, the Franks Family Foundation, Jennifer and Scott Huntsman, the Kanter Family Foundation and Liz and Jonathan Slager.
Join us for a wonderful night for a great cause. Become a sponsor and get your tickets to this special event by clicking here!
