Everyone is Home at Farnam Neighborhood House

Although the programs and people have changed over its 95-year history, Farnam Neighborhood House has remained true to its original goal – providing a "home away from home" for New Haven children. As the city's oldest neighborhood center, located in Fair Haven, Farnam House has brought smiles to the faces of thousands of children of all ages.

Being a "Farnam kid" means access to a safe, enriching environment that includes preschool, before and after-school programs, recreational activities, youth leadership training, summer camp programs, and more. Farnam's popular Biddy Basketball program serves over 350 boys and girls annually and has produced such athletic successes as Queen Smith and Geary Claxton.

Many of the 3000 children served by Farnam House give back by participating in volunteer activities that contribute to a healthier community. The outcome is a win-win, as these children show improvements in communication and social skills, along with better conflict resolution abilities and greater academic standings.

According to Executive Director, Liz Gambardella, "98% of Farnam families have reported a positive difference in their children after participating in programs." In order to capitalize on such success, Gambardella and staff involve parents as much as possible. Through a variety of parent education programs including a newsletter, participation in the New Haven Public Schools Parent University, and seminars on fatherhood, they encourage stronger, more engaged families.

Farnam Neighborhood House is able to provide such a wealth of services to New Haven families due to individual donations as well as general operating support grants from unrestricted funds and grants from designated funds such as the Eleanor and Henry Farnam and Elizabeth Kingsley Harvey funds at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. For more information on the Farnam Neighborhood House, please view their profile on giveGreater.org.

Did You Know?

The National Center for Children in Poverty reports that children in low-income families display delays in cognitive and behavioral development as early as 2 years of age when compared to children in higher-income families.

Source: "Young Children at Risk National and State Prevalence of Risk Factors," National Center for Children in Poverty