Neighborhood House to Unite Near West Side with ‘Community Unity Day’ Block Party

Milwaukee, August 17, 2016 — Neighborhood House of Milwaukee (NH) will host its annual ‘Community Unity Day’ on Friday August 19, 2016 from 2 – 8 pm, a dynamic block party-style event meant to unify the Near West Side with resources and fun in celebration of another successful year of strengthening and empowering families and children at Neighborhood House. In a ceremony at 2:15 pm., an intricate mosaic bench, created by NH youth in partnership with SHARP Literacy and artist Sally Duback, will be unveiled in the Neighborhood House Garden Park.

The event begins at 2pm on the Neighborhood House grounds, on West Richardson Place from 27th Street to 29th Street. It will feature a free community cookout; a performance by the Milwaukee Flyers; a farmers’ market; youth performances;  sports activities; art and nature activities; a fire truck; and more. The event concludes with a free family roller skate night at NH from 6-8 pm.

The SHARP Literacy bench unveiling bookends an entire summer of program collaboration between NH and SHARP Literacy centered on SHARP’s urban agriculture-focused literary materials and implemented by NH’s Outdoor Education Program. After the unveiling, the fun continues, with food being served at 4pm and student performances beginning at 3:30 pm. The Milwaukee Flyers perform at 5:00pm. Other ongoing activities during the event include a WDNR Archery station, live animal demonstration by the Schlitz Audubon Center, art activities, resource fair, a DJ, and tours of NH.

This event aims to connect residents of the Near West Side and inform community members of the services available at Neighborhood House. Founded in the settlement house tradition, NH has been a stalwart part of the community, providing impactful services and support to area families since its founding in 1945. Jeff Martinka, Executive Director of NH, expects the event to unite the whole community, stating, “It’s an exciting opportunity to celebrate the great community we’re fortunate to call home.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.