Our History: The Great Depression
In the midst of the Great Depression, the Italian Neighborhood House endeavored to maintain services. The Well Baby Clinic flourished, and the clubs, sports programs, playground, and kindergarten provided child care and helped enrich the lives of the youngest members of the community.
The Neighborhood House also became a center for employment and relief fund assistance. The New Deal instituted by Franklin D. Roosevelt helped alleviate some financial programs. In 1936, the Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) began to implement some of its programs through the House. With the help of the W.P.A. and the perseverance of Emily Bissell, the House continued to flourish through the Depression, initiating a prenatal health care clinic, sports teams for girls, and the area's first Girl Scout Troop. Go to next history page.
Our History:
1880s * WWI * 1940s and '50s * 1960s, '70s and '80s * Today