MN Rising

Neighborhood House turns hope into action for Saint Paul families

The 125-year-old nonprofit launches $25 million campaign to strengthen its services and future

Provided by Neighborhood House

October 28, 2025 at 6:39PM

Neighborhood House President and CEO Janet Gracia announces the public launch of the Hope in Action campaign during Neighborhood House’s annual fundraising event.

The growing demand for wraparound services—food, education, housing, health care and more—calls for organizations to innovate, evolve and invest in lasting solutions. For over 125 years, Neighborhood House has done just that, helping immigrants, refugees and low-income families achieve stability and build self-reliance. Now, through its $25 million comprehensive campaign, Neighborhood House is ensuring it can continue meeting families where they are today and for generations to come.

Founded in 1897, Neighborhood House serves more than 16,000 individuals each year through multicultural and multilingual programs that address both immediate needs and long-term goals. Its services range from food access and early childhood education to youth enrichment, adult learning and family coaching. Together, these programs form a full-service hub of support that enables families to thrive.

Programs like adult education not only provide the tools to survive but also open doors to opportunity and possibility.

“From the first day I walked in, I was touched by the warm, supportive and friendly environment,” said Sara Al Halabi, a participant in Neighborhood House’s adult education program. “Thanks to Neighborhood House, I now feel more confident and independent, especially during interviews. And I know I am not alone — this place has helped so many people achieve their goals.”

Last year, more than 1,100 students participated in Neighborhood House’s adult education and youth programs, including classes on U.S. citizenship and GED preparation, English classes, driver’s education, after-school mentoring, youth leadership development and summer camps.

A group of young people participates in Neighborhood House’s Summer Sunrise program.

For many, Neighborhood House is more than an organization — it’s embedded in their family history.

“Neighborhood House is a cornerstone of the community, a place of hope, and a bridge between generations,” said Keela Velazquez, a youth specialist Housing Stability Crisis Worker, whose family has been connected to Neighborhood House for four generations. “My grandma, my parents, myself and now my children have all been touched by its resources. Its impact reaches far beyond food and classes. It builds opportunity, connection and a sense that when we come together, we all rise.”

In recent years, shifting economic and political landscapes have increased demand for Neighborhood House’s services. Rather than turning people away, the organization chose to step up, evolve with the times and strengthen its foundation. The Hope in Action campaign was launched to increase Neighborhood House’s impact and secure its future. The campaign, which recently went public, is already nearing its $25 million goal with less than $2 million left to raise.

“Our Hope in Action campaign ensures we can continue walking alongside families, honoring their dignity, and building a resilient future together,” said Janet Gracia, president and CEO of Neighborhood House. “Neighbors helping neighbors — that’s what we’re all about.”

Sara Al Halabi attends an adult education class at Neighborhood House.

Funds from the campaign will modernize and reimagine the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center in Saint Paul, transforming it into a more welcoming, flexible and community-centered space where families can access services with dignity and ease. The campaign will also support research and evaluation efforts that help Neighborhood House better understand community needs and measure program outcomes to determine what truly works. Finally, the campaign will expand the organization’s reach through new initiatives — many already underway or complete — including improvements to the Food Markets at the Wellstone Center and newly opened Neighborhood House on Montreal, which are highly utilized and provided nearly 1.1 million pounds of food to more than 25,000 people last year.

“Neighborhood House has stood as a pillar of community support in Saint Paul for 125 years because it has continually evolved to meet people where they need support the most. It’s critical that we continue to adapt to what our communities need today,” said Sara Swenson, chair of the Neighborhood House Board of Directors and vice president of public relations at Goff Public. “This campaign positions us to propel Neighborhood House forward and drive transformative change for the hundreds of thousands of people this organization serves each year.”

For generations, Neighborhood House has proven that when a community comes together, hope becomes action. To learn more about the campaign or to make a donation, visit campaign.neighborhoodhousemn.org.

Learn more about the Hope in Action initiative, and how it deepens the connection with local communities to meet the needs of those who benefit most from the Neighborhood House services: