Our History

From the Soup Cellar
to the Community Dining Room

Winter 1984 - 1985
Gathering of Branford churches to discuss a collaborative response to community needs and decided upon opening a soup kitchen ministry for the poor.

1985 - August
Opening day of The Soup Cellar in basement of First Baptist Church. Six volunteers form different Branford churches and one guest.

1985 - December
Opened five days with volunteers from Branford churches, town and surrounding communities as attendance increased.

1986
Began Thanksgiving and Christmas Community Dinners. Soup Cellar becomes a town/community effort.

1987
Opened on Saturdays.

1989
Incorporated as non-profit 501-c-3 in state of Connecticut.

1990
Opened on Sundays. Began Easter Community Dinner with increasing support.

1991
Updated by-laws and formalized Board of Directors. Hired a part-time director as program expanded and organizational demands increased beyond limits of volunteerism.

1997
New program begun for Home Delivery of meals to those unable to prepare meals.

June 2000
Moved to Volunteer Services Center. Renamed Community Dining Room.

2001
Hired a part-time kitchen coordinator. New program begun, Community Service Saturdays for students

2002
New program begun, Tuesday Night Family Dinner.

2003
New program begun, Vocational training & assessment program for persons with disabilities.

2005
New program begun, Friendly Visiting to Home Delivery recipients.

2008
Hired a part-time Administrative Assistant

2009
New program begun: Wednesday Night Take Out. Increasing nutrition and health programs and referral services to CDR and community at large.

The Future
Expand services to persons who are developmentally or emotionally challenged, expand Friendly Visiting Program and begin Interfaith Holiday Dinner.

Read more about the 25th Anniversary:

• Easter Dinner at the Dining Room