Executive Director |  Board of Directors  |  Food Shelf History

The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of the Enfield Food Shelf, Inc.  The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission and objectives.  In program development and administration, the Executive Director supervises the overall operation of the program.

The Board of Directors may include up to 12 voting members and 2 ex-officio members (Town Council Liaison and the Social

Services Liaison).   The Board of Directors is responsible for setting policies, rules, approving transactions, carrying out the

purpose of the corporation, and exercising its responsibilities in full compliance with applicable Federal, State or Municipal

laws, statutes and regulations.  From time to time, the Board will review its organizational plan and

establish functional responsibilities to best achieve the plan.  Individual board members and/or

corporation members will be identified to assume leadership roles for such functions as are

established.  The Board of Directors meets 5 times during each year.  All of the members of the

Board of Directors are volunteers, and each member participates actively in providing food

assistance and fund raising projects.  The Officers (Executive Board) of this corporation are:

President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.  The Board of Directors elects the officers who serve for one year and

may stand for re-election.

     Maryann Abar, Treasurer -                         Joel Cox, Social Services Liaison -                   Dick Fournier, Secretary -

      Accountant                                                    Assistant Director of Social Services                retired pharmacist

Linda Goguen - retired                                  Lorna Hosley - retired systems                          Tim Jensen - journalist

Human Resources CT Dept. of                   analyst

Corrections

Mary Ellen Killeen - part time social          Bill Kweder - retired town planner              Roger LeBlanc, President - retired

 worker                                                                                                                                                    teacher of high school English

Cindy Mangini (r) realtor, Town Council   Kathy Plourde, RN, BSN - Community      Rosalynn Santacroce - retired

liaison                                                             Liaison for VNA Healthcare                         administrator                                 

CLIENT ADVISORS

A  single working mother who supports five children

A  handicapped man

A  single working mother who supports two children

A  working mother who, with her husband, provides for a family of six

A  working mother who supports her disabled husband and son

A  disabled father who, with his wife, supports five children

A HISTORY of the ENFIELD FOOD SHELF, INC.

The 1960’s : The Beginning

The decade of the 1960’s included a Camelot presidency, three tragic assassinations, the Beatles, the antiwar and civil rights protests, and sweeping cultural changes.  In the midst of these events,  the Gospel challenge of “Feed Thy Neighbor” inspired an ecumenical movement which included thematic workshops attended by women, many of whom had been volunteering at social service agencies, hospitals, and schools. 

At these workshops, the women shared their experiences about fathers leaving families and people facing hardships due to illnesses, accidents, and emergencies.  As a result of these discussions, the women realized that town professionals - social workers, school administrators, nurses, and clergy - needed help. In response, the small group of Enfield Church women began to collect, purchase, and prepare “food for emergencies.”  Knowing they could accomplish little alone, Peg Smith organized a group of Enfield Church women including Barbara Costas, Connie Lamond, Cindy Lockwood, and Pat Lombardo. 

The women sought food donations through “3 cans make a meal” drives and expanded the effort to include local churches, businesses, and civic organizations.  Their objectives were to support the efforts of the local churches and social agencies and to relieve financial burdens.  Local clergy, school officials, police, and the Neighborhood Center referred families needing help to the group.  The Enfield Church Women’s Group served as the Board of Directors, and Peg Smith chaired the effort.  The women stored the food on shelves in their homes, and this practice became the source for the name of the organization, “The Enfield Emergency Food Shelf.”  Food was delivered to five families.

The 1970’s : The Development

Fueled by the closing of factories, the energy crisis, and the economic decline, the 1970’s revealed an increase for food assistance.  The Enfield Conference of Christian Churches accepted sponsorship for the Enfield Emergency Food Shelf.  A letter certifying the need for food became a requirement to receive groceries 2-3 times per month.  When a request for assistance was received, a box of food was delivered. Initially, families, mostly women and children who had been abandoned by their husbands, received food. 

With a meager balance in its checking account ($ .22 at one point) and an increased demand for storage, the group conducted a successful donation drive and stored food in their homes.  As the food arrived, women sorted and packed meals for a day in bags or for a week in boxes.  Food for children - peanut butter, jelly, cereal - was an emphasis.  Fresh items such as milk, eggs, bread, margarine, and meat were purchased on the day of delivery, and suggestions for recipes were included.  As the need for food storage increased, the women improvised creative methods for storing the items.  Cindy Lockwood placed food items beneath her bed. Pat Lombardo and others erected shelves next to the washer and dryer and, thus, they organized the donations and prepared orders in boxes while doing laundry.  In 1974, Bernie and Frank Rossano renovated an area in their home with shelves for storage. 

To raise funds, Judy Sullivan’s turkey holiday coffee cans were seen everywhere at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  As requests for assistance increased, more volunteers joined the effort and included Hazel DeBell, Bette Cooper, Dot Henry, and Pat Linehan.  The women implemented a color chart idea for food drives - January snow for white items, February Valentines for red items, March Irish for green items, etc.  In an allied ecumenical effort, Ed Misciewicz of St. Bernard’s parish collected appliances and furniture and made these available to those in need.  At the same time, Dorothy Allen, Director of Enfield Social Services, began to coordinate the network of volunteer services, and, in subsequent years, these became town services such as Child Day Care, the Senior Center, and Dial-a-Ride.  In 1978, Joan Carrara, Sister Edwina, and Judy Sullivan arranged for St. Patrick’s Church to provide space in its basement for the Emergency Food Shelf operation.  The Food Shelf effort continued with donations being stored in homes throughout Enfield as 15-20 families requested food assistance.

The 1980’s : The Challenges

The influences of this decade included increased tensions in the Middle East, Reaganomics, rapid advances in technology and communications, and the personal computer.  During 1981, Peg Linn began the practice of creating Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets, and she coordinated deliveries with the Neighborhood Center.  For various reasons, the number of volunteers dwindled, and the operation almost ended in 1983.  Almost single-handedly, Peg and Bob Linn kept the effort alive for many years. 

In 1988, Gerry Wilson (with his pickup truck) responded to an appeal for help, and he assisted the Linns.  A group of dedicated women interviewed clients and recorded weekly information about food distribution.  In 1989, a roomful of people answered a call for volunteers, and this energetic group included Bob Lewis, Pete Clement and others.  They gave new life to the effort.  In addition to Thanksgiving and Christmas, volunteers prepared special Easter baskets for clients.  Food Shelf volunteer representatives worked with the Enfield Social Services Department to develop eligibility standards in order to refer and screen the needy.  Volunteers participated in the town’s 4th of July parade and collected food donations during the celebrations.  At the end of this decade, the demand for assistance had increased dramatically with 346 families seeking food.

The 1990’s : The Incorporation

Investment scandals, out-sourcing, and energy concerns affected the national economy and created difficulty for families to make a living wage.  In 1990, Bob Lewis and Gerry Wilson led the effort for incorporation and received approval as a nonprofit agency to be known officially as “Enfield Food Shelf, Incorporated.”  Gerry and Bob wrote the by-laws which created a 12 member Board of Directors and included the President, the Vice-President, the Secretary, and the Treasurer.  The Board of Directors governed the activities. 

As an incorporated nonprofit agency, the Food Shelf filed reports with the Internal Revenue Services, the State of Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Affairs and Tax Department, and the Town of Enfield.  Volunteer interviewers applied Federal and State poverty guidelines to determine eligibility for qualification.  Outgrowing its space at St. Patrick’s because the need for food assistance continued to increase, the Food Shelf received approval from the Enfield Town Council to rent space in the former A. D. Higgins School.  In 1995, The National Association of Letter Carriers conducted its first annual drive to benefit the Food Shelf and collected 8,000 pounds of food (This collection drive continues). 

In 1997, parishioners from the United Methodist Church built a miniature row boat to be utilized in food donation drives.  Karen and Peter Oakes assumed responsibility for the “Fill the Boat” drives and transported it to various sites for food donations.  The Food Shelf began its annual participation in the Feinstein Challenge.  423 clients received food during the year.

The 2000’s : Expansion and Challenge

Terrorism, conflict in Iraq, and natural disasters marked the beginning of this decade.  In 2002, with the help of local Boy Scouts, John Bridge and Peter Oakes dismantled the Higgins shelves, moved these to Alden Avenue, and prepared the facility for operation.  The Food Shelf moved its operation to 96 Alden Avenue and began renting this building in 2003.  Linda Bridge assumed the responsibilities of the presidency.   The requests for food assistance increased, and additional volunteers assisted with the preparation and distribution of bags of food. 

In 2004, Kathy and Nick Vamvilis, owners of Maine Fish Market, sponsored a golf tournament and donated $11,000 to the Food Shelf.  The annual National Association of Letter Carriers’ food drive donated 25,000+ pounds of food.  The Town of Enfield awarded a grant of $18,200 to the Food Shelf.  Volunteers distributed information and accepted donations at a booth during the town’s 4th of July celebration.  Representatives from the Husky insurance program and the Food Stamp program distributed information and counseled clients. Foodshare began a mobile food distribution program and sent a truck to St. Patrick’s parking lot for 45 minutes on alternate Fridays of each month.  The Food Shelf distributed 238 Thanksgiving baskets and 227 Christmas baskets.  The Town of Enfield awarded a grant of $19,200 to the Food Shelf. 

In 2005, Enrico Fermi High School students, led by April Frizzell ‘06, redecorated the main room of the Alden Avenue facility. The Food Shelf participated in the annual Feinstein Challenge (which has become a primary source for financial support).  Kathy and Nick Vamvilis, owners of Maine Fish Market, sponsored another charity golf tournament.  Representatives from the town’s Social Services Department distributed information to the interested clients.  The National Association of Letter Carriers conducted its annual food drive.  Volunteers distributed information and accepted donations at a booth during the town’s 4th of July celebration.  The Food Shelf distributed 314 Thanksgiving and 300 Christmas baskets and assisted 635 clients (895 adults, 739 children). 

In 2006, a local business with the Enfield Rotary Club donated 3 freezers.  Ocean State Job Lot and Stop & Shop sponsored holiday donation drives.  A booklet about the history was Food Shelf was presented at the Volunteer Appreciation banquet, and 6 founders were honored with individual proclamations presented by Cindy Mangini, Town Councilwoman.  Senator John Kissell and Town Councilman Ken Hillinski thanked the volunteers for their incredible efforts.  Mayor Tallarita read and presented a proclamation about “Fight Hunger Week” to President Linda Bridge.  Kathy and Nick Vamvilis, co-owners of Maine Fish Market sponsored their 3rd   benefit golf tournament and raised $7,000 for us.  The annual National Association of Letter Carriers’ Drive produced 29,000 lbs. (14.5 tons) of food donations.  The Town of Enfield awarded a grant of $19,400.  The annual Feinstein Challenge raised $40,000.  Representatives from the Food Stamp program and the Network against Domestic Abuse made information available during Wednesday food pick-up.  An air-conditioning system was installed to assure climate control in order to protect the foods.  Members of the Board of Directors held several meeting with Judy Cowan, a consultant for the Hartford Foundation for Giving, in preparation for potential grant applications.  The members reviewed Ms. Cowan’s assessment and utilized the data to establish priorities for action plans.  315 Thanksgiving dinner baskets including a turkey and special dinner items and 315 Christmas baskets were distributed.  Volunteers from St. Adalbert’s parish and a local Girl Scout troop prepared special birthday bags and boxes throughout the year.  Volunteers from the local schools and churches continued to assist with the collection, stocking, and distribution of foods.  Enfield residents donated 90,300 lbs. (16+ tons) of food during the year.  The Food Shelf purchased 270,500 lbs. (55+ tons) of food for distribution.  An average of 225 clients (775 people – adults and children) received food each week.   

2007 was a year of change and challenge.  The Board of Directors created the position of Executive Director and hired Linda Bridge.  The Board elected Roger LeBlanc as President.  Sharon Arcouette, Jim Flynn, Bob Linehan, Ray Montagna, and Linda Sokolowski retired from the Board after many years of dedicated service.  The Board elected new members Julie Cotnoir,  Joe Fallon, and Lindsey Weber.  Four clients were accepted as Board advisors.  The Board accepted a revised version of the by-laws, approved at the annual meeting of volunteers.  The community continued its generous support. The annual Feinstein Challenge raised $42,365.  Kathy and Nick Vamvilis sponsored the 4th Maine Fish Market benefit golf tournament and donated $7,000.  Jeff and Mike Dynia’s 16th “Spring Splash” collected food and $278.  Maryann Abar and Linda Bridge served as chairpersons for a Chili Cook-off, organized by Kathy and Mike Freedman, and the event raised $5,000.  The National Association of Letter Carriers’ Food Drive collected 12.5 tons of food.  Throughout the summer, the Community garden provided vegetables.  Local churches and schools collected more than 16,000 pounds of food for Thanksgiving.  The Enfield Rotary Club donated $5,000. The Food Shelf presented its first “Very Important People” Award to the citizens of Enfield.  The client advisors created, administered, and tallied a survey of clients.  State Representative Karen Jarmoc and Town Councilwoman Cindy Mangini met with clients to listen to their concerns.  Also, Wellcare, Allied Community Services, Network against Domestic Abuse, and the Healthcare Center provided information.  Local Boy and Girl Scout troops prepared Thanksgiving and Christmas bags.  385 families received Thanksgiving baskets, and 325 families were given Christmas baskets.  Bill Guzie donated and delivered 40 Christmas trees, and Grower’s Direct of Somers, CT provided 300 free poinsettias.  Throughout the year, Kim Babcock recorded food donations and wrote notes of appreciation, and Dick Fournier processed financial donations and sent thank-you notes to donors.  Increasing numbers of families needing assistance and decreasing food availability from Foodshare posed the greatest challenges; however, the continued generosity of the community helped to meet these challenges.  Volunteers prepared and distributed 21,745 bags, equivalent to 301,430 pounds / 150.7 tons of food.   An average of 216 families (571 people-adults and children) per week received food assistance, and 646 families are registered to receive assistance.

Presidential campaigning, economic concerns, and an historic election permeated our society in 2008.  The effects of the slumping economy increased the need for food assistance. 426 new families registered for services; however, with the contributions of many individuals, groups, and the incredible generosity of the Enfield volunteers and community, we met the increasing challenges successfully.  State Representative Karen Jarmoc provided assistance to our agency.  With Representative Jarmoc's support we received a grant valued at $7445 from the North Central Hartford County United Way. These dollars were used to purchase computers and to establish internet capabilities. Our agency contracted Gary Tallis (Network Engineering Services, Enfield, CT) to install and network four computers and two printers at a generous discount.  Our agency contracted Matt McEwen (Developmental Marketing, Casselberry, FL) to develop our web site – www.enfieldfoodsheld.org at a reduced rate. Little John’s Sign Factory (Enfield, CT) created, donated, and installed a new sign for our facility.  Alan Lanouette (Kariden Electric, Somers, CT) replaced a circuit breaker, repaired electrical outlets and lights, and installed motion sensor lighting, also at a reduced rate.  In collaboration with Carl Tallarita, we created an alliance with the Hallmark Corporation, through which employees performed volunteer services for us. The Enfield Reds, an Enfield Little League baseball team, adopted our agency. Team members and their parents assisted as volunteers throughout the summer months.  Growers Direct (Somers, CT) donated 300 mums to our families in October. Thousands of Enfield residents donated food and money to assist us throughout the year.  Agency fundraising activities achieved outstanding results: Feinstein Challenge  - $60,000; Kathy and Nick Vamvilis’ 5th Maine Fish Market Golf Tournament - $6,000; Kathy and Mike Freedman’s 2nd New England Regional Chili Cookoff - $11,000; “Give Thanks with a Turkey” - $49,129; and Stop & Shop (Enfield, CT) Holiday Drive - $3000. Additionally, major food drives collected thousands of pounds of food: The National Association of Letter Carriers’ Food Drive – 25,000 lbs. (12.5 tons);  “Give Thanks with a Turkey” – 1080 turkeys and 15,000 lbs. (27.9 lbs. / 13.9 tons).  We recognized several individuals and groups, who designed activities to benefit our agency, with “VIP Awards” (Very Important People): The Vamvilis Family for golf tournaments; Kathy and Michael Freedman for the New England

Regional Chili Cookoff; The National Association of Letter Carriers-Enfield, CT for food drives; the Enfield Rotary Club and Holy Trinity Parish (Enfield, CT) for continued efforts in our behalf. Sadly, we lost our beloved Linda Caplette, Client Manager and Board member, after a courageous battle with cancer. Our volunteers unloaded, stocked, prepared, and distributed 439,614 pounds (219.8 tons) of food with a total value of $575,894.  Our caring community assisted an average 300 families per week and contributed tirelessly "to assure that no Enfield family goes hungry due to a lack of resources."

2009 featured the collapse of Wall Street, H1N1, the meltdown of the housing market, an increase in unemployment, a stimulus package, heated debate about healthcare reform, and the beginning of an historic Presidency.  For us, the community rose to the challenge of need, many individuals and groups provided assistance and information.  Also, we instituted the family shopping model and expanded hours.  Stop & Shop’s “Food for Friends” contributed $2995.  The Henry Barnard School “Coin War” ended with a $1000 donation.  The children of Holy Trinity Church collected and donated “Tons of Pennies.”   Jeff and Mike Dynia sponsored the 15th “Scantic Valley Splash” for our benefit.   Bob Fredericks received support from his employer, Hamilton-Sundstrand, and he received a donation of $2375 and hundreds of “green bags.”  The local Girl Scout and Brownie Troops bolstered the “green bag” drive with hundreds more. The “Leo Club” of Enrico Fermi High School created Easter baskets for our families.  The annual Feinstein Challenge realized an incredible $89,000 in cash and food donations.   The National Association of Postal Carriers collected 22,000 lbs. (11 tons) in their annual food drive.  The New England Regional Chili Cook-off raised thousands of dollars.  Asnuntuck Community College’s “4th Annual Community Action Day” collected and donated hundreds of diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food.  The Vamvilis family sponsored its 4th Maine Fish Market Golf Tournament and contributed $7000.  Brendan Albetski organized “Rock for Food 2” and donated $1000.  Rich Tkacz, owner Rich’s Oil, conducted a summer drive that collected 412lbs. of food and $540.  Bernadette and Mark Johnson and Allied Community Services sponsored “Haunted Houses.”  In response to Governor Rell’s call for “A Day of Caring,”  Ed Richards, Chief Marshall of the Enfield Fire Department, organized a departmental drive involving all of the fire districts.  The community – residents, businesses, corporations, civic organizations, public and parochial schools, and church groups - responded overwhelmingly to “Give Thanks with a Turkey II” with donations of 1098 turkeys and thousands in cash and food items.  For Christmas, the community assisted with shopping and provided holiday cheer with special treats and gifts baskets. 

To supplement the cash and food donation projects, many groups assisted with the remodeling and cleaning of the facility.  C&S Wholesale employees participated in their “Make a Difference Day” cleaning the facility and sorting foods.  Hallmark employees volunteered throughout the summer to prepare the shelves for the new family shopping model. The Enfield Reds players and parents assisted with the summer distribution of food to our families.  The United Way employees of The Hartford painted the front room as their “Day of Caring” project.  In September, we began the family shopping model.

Throughout the year, various organizations offered advice and assistance to our families during shopping hours.  Peter Kenney offered guidance about acquiring employment through his “Job Seekers” program and invited interested individuals to attend his job search group.  CT WORKS representative Ken Sales distributed information about potential employment opportunities.  Evelyn Soto, Community Healthcare representative, shared details about the assistance available at the center on North Main Street.  Kathy Plourde, RN, BSN - Community Liaison for VNA Healthcare - distributed pill boxes and gave advice about health issues.  Representatives of Network Against Domestic Abuse shared information about assistance.  Representatives for “The Witness Project” (CT Department of Health) made information available about breast cancer and screening. Volunteers from Foodshare under the supervision of Krista Ostaszewski, Volunteer Coordinator, visited each month to process applications for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).   Posters and flyers about assistance programs available at Enfield Social Services were made available to families.

We dedicated the main room of our facility to Marilyn Rush, a career and loved Enfield teacher, who bequeathed a generous donation to our program.  We gave VIP Awards (Very Important People) to Bob D’Alessandro, Alan Lanouette, Mark Pallatino, and Carl Tallarita for their extraordinary contributions and efforts on our behalf.  Sadly, we lost Bill Baille and Sandy Broderick, two of our longtime, loyal, and beloved volunteers.

This year, an average of 304 families shopped for food each week.  We distributed 336,169 lbs. (168 tons) of food.

(created by Roger C. LeBlanc, March 1, 2010)

EXECUTIVE DRECTOR:             

Linda K. Bridge

2009-2010 BOARD of DIRECTORS:

Mayann Abar - Treasurer

Joel Cox – Social Services Liaison

Julie Cotnoir - Director

Joe Fallon – Director

Dick Fournier - Secretary

Linda Goguen - Director

Lorna Hosley - Director

Tim Jensen – Director

Mary Ellen Killeen - Director

Bill Kweder - Director

Roger LeBlanc - President

Cindy Mangini – Town Council Liaison

Kathy Plourde – Director

Rosalynn Santacroce – Director

Mike Tippo – Vice-President

Lindsey Weber - Director

CLIENT AVISORS:

A handicapped man

A  working mom supporting her disabled husband and son

A  working mom supporting 5 children

A working mom supporting 2 children

A disabled husband who, with his wife, supports 6 children

A working mom who, with her husband, supports a family of six

The Legacy

From its inception in 1968 to the present, the Enfield Food Shelf volunteers have collected, prepared, and distributed food to thousands of needy families.  The generosity of Enfield’s citizens, businesses, civic organizations, churches, schools, and town agencies has contributed significantly to this effort. The dedicated Enfield church women accomplished their ecumenical goals, and the men who led the incorporation and the development of the Food Shelf continued the legacy of helping those in need.  In 2006, Peg Smith, founder of the Food Shelf, wrote, “The Food Shelf was and is a combined effort of thousands of people working and donating, coordinating food drives, and helping in creative ways to feed the hungry,” and this ecumenical spirit continues to flourish because the people of Enfield continue to help their neighbors. 

The leadership, the dedication, and the efforts of the following individuals contributed immeasurably to the founding, the development, the incorporation, and the expansion of the Food Shelf:

• BARBARA COSTAS
• PEG LINN
• BOB LEWIS
• PEG SMITH
• BOB LINN
• GERRY WILSON

Theirs is a legacy of assuring that no Enfield resident will be without food.

NOTE:   Hundreds of individuals have contributed to the mission of the Enfield Food Shelf since its opening.  If some                people have not been identified in this chronicle, the omission is unintentional.

Created by Roger C. LeBlanc, Secretary  3/20/2006 (Revised by Roger C. LeBlanc 2/1/2007; 2/4/2008; 3/11/2009)