Exciting Changes in 2024

Kitchen Renovation

The Center at Hampton House is very excited to announce that we will be undergoing a kitchen renovation in the month of January 2024. In preparation for this renovation, we will be putting all social groups on hold until construction has ended. We will hold social groups up until the week before Christmas, December 18th, 2023. For specific end dates, see below in the specific social group section. This renovation has been made possible due to a generous donation of cabinets from our very own Karen Velocci, the expertise of our intern David Terrell and his family, and a grant awarded to us by the Samuel P. Mandell Foundation. 

We are hoping that this renovation will give us more room to accommodate more cooking classes. We appreciate everyone's patience during this time. Please look out for updates on progress and when social groups will pick back up in our newsletters and our social media pages. 

Garden Expansion



The Center at Hampton House is also very excited to announce that we have plans to expand our garden! Dylan, a boy scout from The Boy Scouts of America, has approached us with the idea to build a new fence to help protect our garden from the lively wildlife. Dylan will be using this project to become an Eagle Scout, the highest rank you can achieve as a boy scout. See a message from Dylan below.

A Message from Dylan Wild

Happy Holidays to you. My name is Dylan Wild and I am a 15 year old life scout with Troop 153. I have been in the scouting program since the age of 6 and I am on the path to Eagle.

In order for me to achieve Eagle Scout, one of the requirements is to complete a project that can benefit the community. I heard there was a need to expand the garden learning center at The Center at Hampton House and have decided to pursue this endeavor as my Eagle project.

I think this garden will teach farm to table living, which I find to be very beneficial to everyone. I will be working to make the garden larger to create a safe area for people of all abilities to learn and enjoy. I will be installing taller and stronger fencing to protect the crops from local wildlife and pests as well as make the garden easier to maintain.

I will be working on fundraising and collecting donations to help The Center at Hampton House better serve the community. If you are interested in assisting me with my efforts to bring this project to fruition, please reach out to me at Wildhet@hotmail.com Subject: Hampton House Garden. Thank you in advance!

Recreational Resources

Did you know that anyone who has an ACCESS card is able to get $2 tickets for a lot of museums and attractions? ACCESS is a community initiative developed to make arts and cultural spaces more accessible and affordable. ACCESS is the largest and fastest-growing program at Art-Reach. ACCESS provides $2 admission to over 80 cultural sites throughout Greater Philadelphia and Delaware for individuals receiving public assistance for food or medical benefits. See the list below and visit the website for more details. 

Contact the venue directly to reserve/purchase tickets over the phone. Online purchases can be made for sites with a promo code listed.



• 1812 Theater Company
• Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
• African American Museum in Philadelphia
• American Helicopter Museum & Education Center
• American Swedish Historical Museum
• Barnes Foundation
• Bartram’s Garden
• Betsy Ross House
• Biggs Museum of American Art
• Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
• Brandywine River Museum
• Brandywine Zoo
• Chanticleer Garden
• Chris Davis’ One Man Nutcracker
• (PROMO CODE: ACCESSPA)
• Christ Church and Christ Church Burial Ground
• ComedySportz
• Delaware Art Museum
• Delaware Contemporary
• Delaware History Museum
• Delaware Museum of Nature and Science
• Delaware Theatre Company
• Eastern State Penitentiary
• EgoPo Classic Theatre
• First Person Arts
• Franklin Institute
• Franklin Square – Parx Liberty Carousel
• Franklin Square – Philly Mini Golf
• Friends of Laurel Hill
• Friends of the Rail Park
• (PROMO CODE: RAILPARKPHL)
• FringeArts
• Glen Foerd on the Delaware
• Glencairn Museum
• Grounds for Sculpture
• Grumblethorpe
• Hagley Museum & Library
• Hedgerow Theatre Company
• (PROMO CODE: ARACCESS21)
• Independence Seaport Museum
• Inis Nua Theatre
• InterAct Theatre Company
• James A. Michener Art Museum
• Jane and Littleton Mitchell Center for African American Heritage
• John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove
• Longwood Gardens
• Marshall Steam Museum at Auburn Heights
• Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvnia
• Mt. Cuba Center
• Museum of the American Revolution
• Mutter Museum
• National Constitution Center
• National Liberty Museum
• Natural Lands
• Nemours Estate
• New Light Theatre
• Opera Philadelphia
• OperaDelaware
• Penn Museum
• Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
• People’s Light
• Philadelphia Artists’ Collective
• Philadelphia Ballet
• Philadelphia Film Center
• (PROMO CODE: ACCESSPFS)
• Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Philadelphia Orchestra
• (PROMO CODE: ACCESSPHILORCH)
• Philadelphia Theatre Company
• Philadelphia Youth Orchestra
• Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
• Physick House
• Players Club of Swarthmore
• (PROMO CODE: PCSACCESS)
• Please Touch Museum
• Powel House
• Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia
• Princeton Symphony Orchestra
• Quintessence Theatre Group
• Read House & Gardens
• Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
• Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden
• Temple Theaters
• The Bearded Ladies Cabaret Co.
• The Rock School’s: Classic Nutcracker
• (PROMO CODE: ACCESS)
• The StageCrafters Theater
• The Woodlands
• Theatre Horizon
• Tyler Arboretum
• Waynesborough
• Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
• Wharton Esherick Museum
• Wilma Theater
• Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
• Woodmere Art Museum
• Yes! and Collaborative Arts

Local Libraries

If you aren't a member of your local library, it may be worth considering becoming one. Most libraries have benefits and resources that go beyond checking out books. Libraries have computers that can be used for community members, have the ability to print documents if needed, often have movies, games and passes that can be signed out and used by its members. This is a great way to explore amusements and museums without a heavy price tag.

Libraries also have some pretty great events for kids and adults. Whether it be classes for learning skills, groups for adults, children's book readings or movement classes, there is something for everyone. If you have a library card you may also have the ability to rent audio books for free as well. In order to know exactly what your library offers make a visit today and speak with your local librarians and library staff.

Participant Success!



My name is Melanie. I’m 23 years old and I graduated with a Major in Education from Arcadia University. I work 3 days per week at Hallowell Elementary School as an Assistant Teacher in the Kindergarten class. I started working with Maria, the job coach through The Center at Hampton House, in June 2023. She has helped me with suggestions on how to better do my job with the children in the classroom.

I enjoy going to the beach, out to eat, hanging out with my dog Duke and taking him for walks, watching Phillies games, playing pickleball and going to the movies (I saw the Taylor Swift movie last). I also enjoy traveling and spending time with my grandparents.

I have been a model twice for the fashion show events through the Center at Hampton House and really enjoy going to the bowling events for the Center.

I have 2 sisters and one new brother-in-law. My other sister is getting married next year and I will then have another new brother-in-law and they are both named Matt! 

When I am home, I fold my own laundry, unload the dishwasher and I always take the trash and recycling out.

~Written By Melanie~

What's Happening at The Center At Hampton House!

The Garden Club

The Garden has been cleaned up and all of the crops that were dying off due to the change in season have been cleared away. Our Garden Club has been exploring their creative sides with fun arts and crafts, and continuing to work on their cornhole boards. Also, our Hydroponic towers are back up and running. Check out the progress below.



Join us every Tuesday 9am-11am and Thursday 4pm-6pm Rain or Shine!

$10 each class

To reserve your spot, Email maria@centerathamptonhouse.org or info@centerathamptonhouse.org

The Garden Club will be taking a break , our last week of garden will be the week of the December 18th until some time in February or March. The return date will be determined closer to the end of January.

Cooking Class:

Cooking Club has been having fun with some holiday recipes. Everyone really enjoyed our Friendsgiving Celebration. They've also had some fun with party favorite recipes.

Cooking Class is every Monday 4pm-6pm

$15 each class

To reserve your spot, Email maria@centerathamptonhouse.org or info@centerathamptonhouse.org

Due to the renovation of the kitchen, cooking club will be taking a break. The last cooking class for 2023 will be December 18th. There will be no cooking in the month of January, but we are hoping to return to programming some time in February. Return dates are to be determined at this time.

Friendship Club:



November's Friendship Club had a lot of fun making no bake pumpkin pies, painting wooden puzzles, playing fun "minute to win it" games and lots of great Thanksgiving trivia. Thank you to everyone who brought in non-perishable items for our food drive.

Friendship Club will be held on December 13th - 5:30pm-7:30pm

$10 each class

To reserve your spot, Email maria@centerathamptonhouse.org or info@centerathamptonhouse.org

After December's class, Friendship Club will be on hold until the Spring. Please follow social media and follow the newsletter for updates on it's return.

December Friendship Club is 12/13/2023 - Holiday Fun



* Please email in advance to reserve your spot

Through bowling, dancing, technology, trivia, gardening and cooking, we provided opportunities for individuals to get social, learn and have fun with their peers. We are hoping to offer a wide selection of Social Clubs in 2024, but need your help! If you want to sponsor a club, please contact us for more information!