Current Programs

DAILY LUNCH PROGRAM:
From 12 noon until 1:00, every day, Sunday through Friday, and on the second and fourth Saturday of the month, the CDR serves a hot, nutritious lunch in our dining room. This well-balanced meal begins with soup followed by a main course including protein, carbohydrate and vegetable; finishing always with dessert. Those who attend this community lunch help themselves to a cold beverage or coffee and find a seat with friends or welcoming others. CDR volunteers serve lunch directly with a friendly greeting. A blessing is offered by dining room volunteers at every meal. Many hungry and lonely individuals structure their day with a visit to the Community Dining Room and sharing a meal.



TUESDAY FAMILY DINNER:
Every Tuesday at 5:30 the CDR hosts a family dinner for families with children. This program offers a kid-friendly menu and story time with discussion which encourages reading and develops literacy. Free books are given out each evening. Promoting social diversity, periodically this dinner will highlight a different culture through the foods offered for dinner, books chosen to read, world maps, verbal presentations and other creative additions. Offering families an opportunity to "go out to dinner" together is an important component of this program. Many hard working families in our shoreline neighborhoods are having trouble making ends meet. This program offers help and support.

HOME DELIVERY AND VISITATION PROGRAM:
This program provides a home delivered, hot lunch for each day of the week. Individuals who are unable to access the CDR due to physical or health reasons or are recuperating from an illness or surgery may qualify to participate. Through referrals and intake assessments, individuals become eligible for this program which serves the Branford area. Our home visitation program, helping to dispel isolation and loneliness, offers additional assistance. Providing nutritional and social support to these individuals will improve their quality of life, assist in their recovery and help them remain in their own homes, in some cases delaying entry to nursing facilities.

VOCATIONAL ASSESSMENT PROGRAM:
This program provides an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to try kitchen and food preparation work as a vocation. Area agencies participate in this exciting hands-on teaching opportunity.

COMMUNITY SERVICE SATURDAYS:
Each first and second Saturday of the month, students from area schools can meet their school volunteer requirements at the Community Dining Room. We offer youth an opportunity to learn the merits and joys of volunteering while helping others with basic human needs.




  

 
     
 
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
BENEFIT SALE
for Community Dining Room
Homemaker Thrift Shop
76 Maple Street, Branford
 
 
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Make Your Gift Work Twice as Hard!
The Community Dining Room has just received a matching grant from the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven in the amount of $10,000. This means that all donations received between November 1, 2008 and January 15, 2009 will be doubled!

With the Holiday season upon us and the needs of the community already heightened by these tough economic times, your gift is more important than ever. Please help us take advantage of this generous grant by making a tax-deductible donation today.

 
     
 

 

Donate Now Through Network for Good 

 
     
   

 
   
     
    Community Dining Room
30 Harrison Avenue \ Branford, CT 06405 \ (203) 488-9750
Email: pkral@communitydiningroom.org