Neighborhood Centers to Make Community’s Dreams Reality
Nonprofit Hosted Middle School Grand Opening and Community Celebration
On August 23, Neighborhood Centers expanded the East End’s educational resources with the grand opening of the Ripley House Middle School.

Neighborhood Centers transforms communities by building on the strengths that exist within all individuals and neighborhoods. Since its founding in 1907, education has been one of the organization’s core competencies. The Agency now serves more than 3,000 children at 25 preschools and four elementary community schools — and, with the opening of the Ripley House Middle School, added another 144 students under its educational umbrella.

“We’re so glad that we could enhance the continuum of education in the East End community,” said Ann Hilbig, vice president of Choices in Education. “This middle school is perfectly aligned with our mission to bring resources, education and connection to emerging neighborhoods, and its grand opening is a great way to celebrate our
community.”

The Ripley House Neighborhood Center was originally funded by the Daniel and Edith Ripley Foundation and opened its doors in 1940. Prior to her death, Edith Ripley requested that her legacy be used to fund a project that would “assist in making better citizens.” Although the original Ripley House has been rebuilt, the work stayed true to
the goals on which it was founded. In addition to the elementary and middle school, the campus is home to a senior center, youth program, health clinic, full-size gym, performance stage, commercial kitchen, and an outdoor basketball pavilion and baseball field.

“This is what Neighborhood Centers is all about,” Hilbig said. “This school will strengthen the community for years to come.”