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03/07/2016 08:56 AMJudy Barron wants to spread the word that Community Dining Room (CDR) offers “more than just a meal” to support people in transition at the Branford-based agency, serving folks from East Haven to Old Saybrook.
Barron joined CDR as Executive Director in Dec. 2015, following the retirement of Pat Kral, who led CDR during 25 years of amazing growth. Founded in 1985, non-profit CDR is a valued shoreline resource, serving clients arriving from East Haven to Old Saybrook nutritious meals, support and companionship.
On behalf of CDR, Barron’s thrilled to share several plans CDR has for the spring to offer even more support to clients. Much of it is being done by strengthening partnerships with shoreline community agencies, local welfare offices, business and health care providers.
One noticeable change arrives in April during CDR’s annual Walkathon on the Branford green, as it combines for the first time with events of Branford Early Education Collaborative’s (BECC) “Week of the Young Child.” Registration will soon be available for the walkathon, stepping off April 23 at 9 a.m. on the Branford Town green; visit www.communitydiningroom.org for more details.
“We’re coming together with BECC this year so that all of our events will be in collaboration,” said Barron.
BECC’s 2016 “Week of the Young Child” selected book is the inspiration for a town-wide student art contest. Entries will be displayed at CDR so that Family Night Dinner participants can vote on their favorites. The winning artwork becomes this year’s CDR official Walkathon T-shirt logo.
Also in April, CDR begins offering adult clients some new transitional services programming – resume writing and computer skills workshops, hosted at CDR with instructional help (and visiting computers) from Blackstone Memorial Library.
“We face a lot of unemployment for individuals transitioning here, and a lot of jobs require online applications; but not everybody has online access to do that,” said Barron. “So we’re going to offer that, and do a little referral and help.”
Barron’s also putting out the word to local businesses that CDR has clients looking for part-time work. So even if it’s simply “...a business that needs a dishwasher,” let CDR know; said Barron.
“We’ve got people that want to work, that need to work, to support their families,” she said. “If we can work together and collaborate, we might be able to help find these individuals employment.”
Another area of need seen in CDR clients is homelessness.
“We’re working with BHCare to get a trained individual, who assists with chronic homelessness, to come in monthly to do outreach. They can show them how they can get set up with intake appointments, and start the process to help find them housing,” she said.
Within CDR’s own offerings, March begins a big change to CDR weekly Saturday breakfasts. Due to serving Saturday lunch, breakfast numbers have dropped off. To address client response and better utilize supplies and volunteers, CDR began a trial of only serving breakfast on the fourth Saturday of the month. In April, CDR will again serve only one Saturday morning meal, this time a brunch, on the fourth Saturday. Based on client response, “...whichever one works better, we’ll utilize going forward,” said Barron.
Helping oversee those meals, and many more, is one of two new CDR staffers who’ve signed on recently. Kitchen Supervisor Mary Johnston took over to fill a vacated space and, like many involved with CDR, was a volunteer first.
“I love working with all the volunteers, the cooks right down to dishwashers – it’s a very rewarding job,” says Mary. “We try to make every meal as nutritious as possible. The chefs are great about deciding how they’re going to use the food we get.”
Another new face at CDR is Assistant Administrator/Volunteer Coordinator Courtney Rosenburg, who took over duties in February. She’s already busy promoting a returning offering, free mammogram screenings at CDR on April 26, conducted by Yale-New Haven Hospital and Smilow Cancer Hospital. The hospitals’ mammogram van will provide 15-minute appointments from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The visits are free to those who’ve received a time slot by calling Rosenburg at (203) 488-0447 no later than April 16.
“When they call to make an appointment, there’s a short list of questions we’ll ask,” said Rosenburg. “If they fit the criteria, we can sign them up on the spot and then they’ll just come here to van that day. It’s going to be right outside in the parking lot.”
Speaking of appointments, Barron’s looking forward to another service CDR will be scheduling come April: $5 haircuts. The professional clips will be offered every other month, following a specified Tuesday night Family Meal. The hair care will be provided by licensed, insured stylist Ashely Torres of Legacy Salon (North Branford).
“For people pinching pennies, they can get the children’s haircut, or mom’s or dad’s haircut, for five dollars,” said Barron. “Ashley wants to give back to the community; and we’re trying to assist in any fashion -- in addition to providing nutritious food -- to help people take the edge off financially.”
To support ongoing and evolving efforts, CDR’s grateful to all who contribute time, talent and donations. One easy way to support CDR (and many other local charitable groups) is to come out and enjoy the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce upcoming “Chili Challenge for a Cause” in Branford (Sat. April 2). The friendly competition among local chefs will include chili crafted by downtown restaurant Donovan’s Reef served up in support of CDR.
“When you have a community that wants to work together, you can offer more,” said Barron.
Community Dining Room is located at 30 Harrison Ave. in Branford. For more information, call (203) 488-9750, email jbarron@communitydiningroom.org ; visit www.communitydiningroom.org or find Community Dining Room of Branford on Facebook.