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In October of 1982, the people of 211 Infoline, a service of the United Way, called together a group of concerned clergy and social agencies to consider the problem that many people in the area were unable to provide for themselves and their families. The group which gathered that day established what has become the Community Kitchens of Northeastern Connecticut, Inc. Though initially established with those experiencing poverty in mind, we have found that poverty takes many forms. Our mission has evolved not only to provide nutritious meals for the body, but also to address the basic human need for companionship and society. The communities we serve are from Plainfield to Woodstock and in between, all of northeastern Connecticut. Our meal sites are located in Woodstock, Central Village, Danielson, Thompson and Moosup (see schedule). Nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers. Ours is an Open Table ~ Everyone is Welcome ! The community Impact of our soup kitchen extends further than feeding the hungry; Our meals have become communities of support for our guests, addressing the basic human need for companionship, socialization, and emotional solace providing resources for those in pursuit of self-sufficiency. In short, we feed the body and the soul in an environment of care, support, and safety to individuals and families that come through our doors. Our volunteers set a foundation for building a sense of belonging in the community, offering a place where individuals from all walks of life can gather and share a moment of kinship. Volunteering not only provides a service but also a place where locals can contribute to the common good. Our volunteers experience a sense of civic responsibility and fulfilment, strengthening community bonds. Our open-door policy allows us to unite people who might not otherwise cross paths. We invite our donors, community leaders, students, local businesspersons to share a meal. Such interaction helps break down social barriers and stereotypes, promoting a more inclusive society. It provides an opportunity for people to learn about the experiences and challenges of others, fostering empathy and understanding within the community. Besides fostering positive social relations, we play a significant role in safeguarding public health. By offering, nutritious, balanced meals and supplemental bread and produce items to our disadvantaged populations, we are contributing to disease prevention and the overall health of the community. Providing these services to our disadvantaged neighbors, we help them redirect scarce resources towards other critical needs like housing, medication, or education. This can not only improve their personal situations but also reduce the strain on social services, leading to an overall healthier economy. For many of our volunteers we may serve as a training ground for people looking to develop cooking, customer service, or management skills. These skills can help individuals gain employment, leading to reduced unemployment rates and a more robust local economy. But most importantly we bring awareness to social issues such as homelessness, poverty, and food insecurity. Reminding the more fortunate members of the community about the hardships their neighbors may be experiencing. |
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Community Kitchens of Northeastern Connecticut Inc, P.O. Box 502, Danielson Connecticut, USA 06239 Tel: 860-779-2465 Email: [email protected]
On Facebook at Community Kitchens of Northeastern Connecticut |