Stanford Settlement Celebrates 50 Years in Gardenland

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

stanfordsettlementStanford Settlement will mark its 50th anniversary serving Gardenland with a celebration hosted by its board of trustees on August 24.

“For 50 years as a neighborhood center, Stanford has provided important services and programs, positively impacting the lives of our kids, teens, seniors and families, overall helping our community thrive,” said Michele Mercado, president of the board. “We are delighted to celebrate Stanford Settlement’s 50th anniversary in Gardenland.”

Stanford Settlement was founded in 1936 by the Sisters of Social Service and originally located at the Leland Stanford Mansion at 8th and N streets in downtown Sacramento. From humble beginnings at an abandoned Baptist church, then-Executive Director Leonora Espindle Foster began the outreach that is the trademark of settlement houses by visiting neighbors to determine the community’s needs and inviting them to help find solutions.

As homes gave way to office buildings, Stanford Settlement was encouraged by civic and church leaders to relocate to the Gardenland neighborhood at 450 W. El Camino Avenue.

Fifty years later, Stanford Settlement is still helping individuals and families in the Gardenland-Northgate, North Sacramento, and Natomas communities. While programs have grown over the years to reflect the changing needs of the community, Stanford Settlement’s mission has remained the same: to help build healthy communities through individual, family, and neighborhood services.

“Stanford Settlement has become part of the fabric of the community over the past 50 years, with the support of our neighbors, our donors, our staff & volunteers both past & present,” said Sister Jeanne Felion, executive director. “We are grateful for all those who have helped us successfully and faithfully carry out our mission.”

The community is invited to join Stanford Settlement in celebrating this landmark anniversary 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2013. Tour the agency’s programs and services, enjoy refreshments, music, and a free BBQ dinner.

Event organizers hope to see former Summer Day Camp and Teen Center participants, former agency staff and volunteers, and alumni of the former Gardenland Elementary School, where Stanford Settlement is now located.

Special thanks to event sponsors Gardenland-Northgate Neighborhood Association, Sally Hite, Dignity Health, Councilmember Steve Cohn, and the Sisters of Social Service.

To RSVP, please call (916) 927-1303.

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