Current Programs
Brochure • At a Glance • Newsletter

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.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT TAKE OUT DINNER
Lost hours at work or been laid off? Feeling the difficulties of the economic downturn? Unable to come to our daily lunch. Order your family dinner to ease your budget. Call Melissa before noon on Mondays 488-0447 Wednesday pick-up from 4:00 to 5:30ish. Suggested donation $2.00.

 You may have supported us in the past; let us lend a hand during these difficult times. Use this dinner for any meal or as an after school snack. Call and order this nutritious and delicious food for your family.

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 and North 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.

FRIENDLY VISITOR PROGRAM
Working with our Home Delivery program, the CDR identifies folks who would enjoy and benefit from a weekly friendly visit. Volunteer visitors are matched with recipients via a simple assessment to identify similar interests and experiences. Visitors are encouraged to visit every week or so with a year commitment. This program provides an important service to the community helping to dispel loneliness and improve quality of life. If you are interested in volunteering or know someone who would like a visitor, please contact Melissa Branch by email or 203-488-0447.

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.