By Marie Pfeifer
The Morristown Neighborhood House will host “A Taste a Culture” on May 5 to celebrate more than a century of helping immigrants.
From 6 to 9 pm in the Hyatt Morristown on 3 Speedwell Ave., patrons can sample the area’s best cross-cultural culinary delights, along with wine tasting, Tricky Trays, an art sale, live entertainment and a cash bar. Wine tasting is courtesy of the Wine Chateau of Morristown.
Founded in 1898, the Neighborhood House began as a settlement house to help Italian immigrants become comfortable with a new culture.
After Italians were assimilated into the community, the Neighborhood House helped numerous African-Americans who migrated from the South. Today, it assists a large number of Hispanic families who desire to become self-sufficient.
The “Taste of Culture” aims to reflect this diversity, as the Neighborhood House continues helping immigrants address economic challenges and cultural differences.
David Walker, the executive director said: “The Middle School and High School stages of development is an especially difficult time for young immigrants. Academic stress, social pressures, the draw of gangs, underemployment and problems with parents all combine to make young people unsure of themselves. Neighborhood House’s programs are structured to help strengthen their self esteem, preparing them for assuming adult responsibilities and combating negative influences.”
The Neighborhood House runs programs in five cities in seven locations across Morris County. Programs include comprehensive after-school programs for teens on Fridays, the Street Talk mentoring program, a Rite of Passage program, visual arts, music, basketball, soccer, dance and the K.O. Boxing Club. In all, some 1,500 young children and youths are served by Neighborhood House programs.
Admission to a “Taste of Culture” is $65 in advance, $75 at the door. All proceeds will support the Neighborhood House youth development and arts and recreation programs.
For additional information about “A Taste of Culture,” please contact Mable Stapleton at 973-538-1229, x 20 or stapletm@neighborhoodhouse.org.
