Hilltop Neighborhood House held it's 4th Annual Fall Family Fest on September 23, 2011 at the Butterfield Pavilion at Old Fair Grounds Park. They announced to all, "Bring your children, bring your grandchildren! Fun for children of all ages!"
Hilltop Neighborhood House is more than just a community center. It is a center for early childhood development and child care and hosts Walt's Place as well, which is first and foremost an after school care program, but also is home to adult education programs at night.
Debbie Lambert,Executive Director for Hilltop Neighborhood House said, "The annual Fall Family Festival is a fundraiser that will raise money for scholarships for children to attend early childhood development programs." retiring
The early childhood development program features age-appropriate learning for infants though four year olds that focuses on everything from developing gross motor skills to learning shapes, colors and days of the week.The center also has programs for 5 year olds learning Kindergarten readiness. In the Kindergarten readiness program, the children learn their letters, numbers, how to write their name, and recognize "A" words (for example "A" for apple).
But there is more. The children actually get hands on experience in science experiments, do fun crafts, study themed-subjects such as transportation, in which the children learn about buses, trains and airplanes.
Lambert said the Fall Family Fest came about because, "We wanted something that was all about kids. We are all about families, so we wanted a family oriented event. We wanted an event where kids could come and parents didn't need a babysitter, and they could do something fun with their children."
At the Festival, the kids were treated to crafts, balloon twisting, games, prizes, a bouncy house, and "a good old fashioned cook out with kid friendly food," said Lambert.
Hilltop Neighborhood House is a nonprofit organization. The Fall Family Festival is an annual fundraiser held to raise money for scholarships for children to attend the programs offered at the House. Lambert explained, "These programs are for low-income families and single mothers who want to be able to send their children to a quality early childhood development and pre-school program. 60%-70% of the children that attend Hilltop Neighborhood House will receive a scholarship."
Jennifer Wright will be taking over for Lambert as Executive Director of Hilltop Neighborhood House. Wright said, "I love spending time with the families and I want to continue doing what Debbie started. We want to be a healthy part of the community. We are a true community center."
To learn more, or if you would like to make a donation to Hilltop Neighborhood House, visit www.hilltophouse.org.