Our past sets the tone for the incredible work you help us do for our community now.
1896 – Washington Street Mission was established as a Sunday School and it later become Neighborhood House. This picture was taken in 1906 on the steps of Neighborhood House, with Miss Miller, the Superintendent, in the center. The picture was taken by Mr. Cowell, the boys’ teacher.
A.S. Oakford was instrumental in establishing Neighborhood House as a vital Peoria organization. Oakford helped fundraise for many projects, including the capital campaign to build the “New Neighborhood House” on Adams. Because of A.S. Oakford’s strong leadership and legacy, there has been a member of the Oakford family on our board of directors ever since.
1903 – $300 raised for tools in Manual training shop.
1906 – Catholic Women's League started 1st day nursery.
1908 – Medical and Dental Dispensary. Medical services were stationed at St. Francis Hospital in 1945.
1908 – Dorcas Society organized for instruction for mothers in sewing.
1910 – Two thirds are foreign born or foreign parentage. 14 foreign languages spoken.
1911 – Baseball team organized
1911 – Quilters Club began
1911 – Quilters Club began
1913 – In 1913, not only did we have dental, orthodontal, and medical dispensaries seeing patients every week, we also had a milk dispensary that was under the control of the visiting nurse who assisted the physicians. Apparently there was a high demand for milk and the visiting nurse had to approve all orders in order to make sure that the families who needed it most, got it. In 1913 they were dispensing 300-400 quarts of milk per month.
1918 – The Daughters of the American Revolution conducted multiple activities at Neighborhood House for girls, as well as boys, including The Sons of the Republic, which was a group for boys ages nine to fourteen who were drilled in various forms of patriotism.
1918 – The Daughters of the American Revolution conducted multiple activities at Neighborhood House for girls, as well as boys, including The Sons of the Republic, which was a group for boys ages nine to fourteen who were drilled in various forms of patriotism.
1921 – There were 10 nursery families and 10 kindergarten families.
1936 – Senior Boys Basketball Champs
1937 – The money from parents who paid 10 cents extra for leaving their children past pick up time resulted in enough money to pay for nursery repairs.
1940 – A 34-foot lot next door was purchased for $2500 for The Oakford Playground.
1942 – Harvey Seeds supports drafted soldiers and sailors by providing resources while away.
1948 – Assumed direction of Camp Quinn for children with cognitive and physical disabilities & less privileged children.
1948 – Camp for children with disabilities or impoverished.
1950 – Radio interview by WEEK
1965 – Stay out Front, forerunner of Headstart
1968 – Jim Bixby runs Child Care with the help of Jon Williams. Jim went on to counsel students at Manual High School for over 30 years and he now works at the alternative high school at Wildlife Prairie Park.
1970 – Friendly Visitors Program delivers meals before becoming Meals on Wheels.
1970 – Friendly Visitors Program delivers meals before becoming Meals on Wheels.
Our Mission is to provide a safe environment, resources, and education to empower our community to reach their fullest potential through all life stages.
Since it was established in 1896, Neighborhood House was many things to many people. Our founders were progressive thinkers and established programs, services and taught trade skills to meet the needs of the immigrant community at the turn of the century. Due to the diversity of the immigrants at the time we were able to provide many skills and services before other organizations were formed. In addition to employment skills we also taught dance, sports, provided services for individuals with both physical and developmental disabilities and even started the first medical clinic on the South Side of Peoria.
Who We Are Now
Neighborhood House continues the progressive thinking of our founders by providing ever changing services. As the needs of the community are met or are no longer relevant, Neighborhood House moves forward to the next need. Our Board of Directors is comprised of leaders in many disciplines, which strengthens the organizations and sets it up for sustainability. Our diverse staff ensure that each and every client receives an outstanding customer experience.
What We Do
Currently, Neighborhood House provides an array of diverse programs, which gives each person the tools they need to be successful. Our programs are based on research and the needs of the community.
- Meals on Wheels
- Critters Meals on Wheels
- Feeding Children & Families
- Adult Literacy, GED and Youth Education & Enrichments
- Adult Financial Empowerment & Employment Services
It is often said that Neighborhood House is cradle to grave because we serve people at every stage of life. For the past 40 years, Neighborhood House has delivered meals to homebound seniors and disabled adults. Meals on Wheels is now our largest program, serving over 1,000 seniors annually. Currently, we are taking a step back in time and reestablishing much needed programs that were changing lives 125 years ago. We are helping adults gain skills needed to obtain and maintain employment. Through Summer Camp, After School Meals, and Summer Meals, we are keeping children off of the streets by providing a safe place to eat a nutritious meal and have fun.
Neighborhood House is continually evolving, responding to the needs of the times, and this is what ensures that we will forever by one of Greater Peoria’s strongest institutions.
Community Needs
Although Neighborhood House is meeting multiple needs in the community with limited resources, there is so much more to be done. You can help us make a difference. Every donation and act of volunteerism, no matter how big or small, supports the life-changing service and programs we offer to our community.