On August 20, Neighborhood House staff and volunteers gathered in community at Sibley Manor in St. Paul’s Highland Park neighborhood for the August Neighbors United event. It was a special day full of laughter, bubbles, ice cream, and connection.
Sibley Manor was once home to our second Food Market before Neighborhood House on Montreal opened in 2024. Bringing Neighbors United back to Sibley Manor gave us a meaningful chance to further connect with a community that has long been part of the Neighborhood House family and to say: You are welcome here, and Neighborhood House is here for you.
For children, the afternoon was all about fun. An ice cream truck handed out free ice cream and popsicles, while “Sir Sydney Soapington” provided giant bubbles for youth to play with. Youth who attended played at the park, enjoyed the summer afternoon, picked up backpacks filled with school supplies, and took home free books.
By the end of the event, 161 backpacks and nearly 150 books were distributed to local families.
Family members and caregivers could also take home free diapers and connect with community organizations offering resources and support. Representatives from Metro Transit, the St. Paul Public Library, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS), The Hub, Community Dental Practice, and our very own program tables offered information about Neighborhood House’s Adult Education and Digital Navigation opportunities.
These connections are at the heart of Neighbors United.
The goal of these events isn’t simply to hand out supplies or share information. It’s about creating welcoming spaces where families and their neighbors can build relationships, get connected with resources, and know where to turn when they are in need of support.
Neighbors United events are now happening monthly, creating more opportunities for families to connect with Neighborhood House and one another throughout the year. Upcoming events will highlight employment services, summer programming and registration opportunities, tax preparation, and transportation and automobile resources.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this event and helped make the day special. We’ll see you at the next Neighbors United!
