Person to Person

Today, we hosted Jim Himes on our mobile food pantry, P2P On Wheels, in Stamford! He rode in the pantry from our warehouse to Domus Kids and helped a P2P client shop for groceries. P2P On Wheels has revolutionized the concept of “getting food where it needs to be,” bringing our food pantry and casework teams directly to Stamford neighborhoods. Each day, we feed 40-50 families, and in September, we'll be launching a second mobile food pantry to support another 40-50 families daily! P2P On Wheels offers free grocery items, including fresh produce, dairy, meat, and shelf-stable goods, ensuring three meals a day for seven days for every family member. Shopping visits are by appointment after meeting with a P2P Caseworker. #FoodSecurity #CommunitySupport #StamfordCT

We are grateful to announce a generous joint gift of $15,000 from the New Canaan Community Foundation with additional support from the NEWCOMERS CLUB OF NEW CANAAN INC. This gift will support our mission: "Person to Person supports families and individuals as they move toward stability with healthy food, clothing, housing assistance, and a path to economic opportunity." Thank you NCCF and Newcomers Club of New Canaan for your unwavering support and dedication to our community.

Meet Diane Colechia, a dedicated volunteer who has been part of our Darien operations since the beginning of the year. Diane moved to Darien from Cheshire, CT, in October 2023 and has been actively involved ever since. She volunteers every Friday from 9 am to 3:30 pm at reception, in the Darien food pantry, with summer camp registration, or wherever she can help. Diane retired from Travelers Insurance, where she worked as an account executive, and continues to bring her professional skills to her volunteer work. Engaging with clients is her favorite part of volunteering, especially since it allows her to use and improve her Spanish. Diane, whose parents are Puerto Rican, finds joy in helping Spanish-speaking clients who are not fluent in English. One of Diane's cherished experiences at P2P was helping a newly arrived pregnant woman who had nothing for her baby. Diane connected her with a local donor who provided infant equipment and a thoughtful gift basket. This act of kindness shows Diane's dedication and resourcefulness. Diane enjoys working with Lorena Gonzalez, our client receptionist, and other members of the P2P staff who have been a tremendous resource. Diane says, “Lorena is patient, a good mentor, and an invaluable resource. She even recommended a primary care physician. Another P2P colleague recommended the orthopedic group that recently performed my knee surgery.” In addition to her work at P2P, Diane also volunteers at Lucky Dog in Stamford and has a history of volunteering in the Hartford Public School System. Volunteering has helped Diane transition smoothly into her new community by introducing her to new friends along the way. Thank you, Diane, for your commitment and compassion! We're always looking for new volunteers. If you're interested in getting involved, visit p2pHelps.org/volunteer

Did you know that LGBTQ individuals are disproportionately affected by food insecurity and lack of access to affordable housing? Nearly 1 in 4 LGBTQ people experience food insecurity, and they are twice as likely to live in poverty compared to non-LGBTQ individuals. Additionally, LGBTQ youth are at a higher risk of homelessness. At P2P, we celebrate and support our LGBTQ community and believe in creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. This month, we're sharing more information on how these issues impact the LGBTQ community and what we can do to help. For information visit https://lnkd.in/gyzURPCs and https://lnkd.in/eANTMZJv Together we can build a more inclusive community.

As an organization dedicated to helping families and individuals achieve stability, we recognize the profound impact that the affordable housing crisis has on our community. The recent reports highlighting Connecticut's escalating housing costs and limited supply underscore the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to ensure everyone has access to quality, affordable housing. https://lnkd.in/enHCHyuF

We are thrilled to share that P2P was featured in an NBC News New York story about the “Feeding Our Families” Food Drive, which will take place on Saturday, June 1. This event is sponsored by NBCUniversal and Telemundo and organized by Connecticut Food Share. P2P is fortunate to be a beneficiary of the food drive. The news story highlighted our mobile food pantry that serves Stamford, showcasing the critical role it plays in our community. All food donated during the drive will directly support area food pantries, including our mobile food pantry. If you are out shopping on Saturday, June 1, consider stopping at a participating Stop & Shop location and making a donation. Event Details: Date: Saturday, June 1 Time: 8 AM to 6 PM Drop-off Locations: Norwalk: 380 Main Ave (off Merritt Pkwy) Norwalk: 385 Connecticut Ave Darien: 25 Old Kings Hwy Stamford: 2200 Bedford St Click here to view the entire NBC News New York story: https://lnkd.in/eEwfi9pm

A sincere thank you to Castleton Commodities International for volunteering in our Clothing Center to sort and organize donations! Their hard work was invaluable given the volume we receive, and we were truly inspired by their positive energy. Volunteering not only helps us fulfill our mission but also offers numerous benefits to employees. -- Team Building: Volunteering together strengthens team bonds and fosters collaboration. -- Employee Engagement: It boosts morale and enhances job satisfaction by making a difference. -- Corporate Social Responsibility: Demonstrates your company's commitment to giving back to the community. We encourage other area corporations to join us in making a difference. Together, we can create a stronger, more inclusive community. For corporate engagement reach out to Julie Moeller at [email protected].

The recent findings by Feeding America, highlighting the stark increase in food insecurity in Connecticut, resonate deeply with the challenges we confront daily at Person to Person. Despite being in one of the wealthiest states, the paradox of rising hunger, especially among children, underscores the critical importance of our mission. As we mobilize resources and expand our reach through our food pantries, including our mobile pantry in Stamford, this report serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for collaboration and sustained effort to ensure no one in our community has to worry about their next meal. https://lnkd.in/ezyTCC44

As we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week, we want to express our gratitude to the volunteers who are the backbone of our mission. Their selfless dedication helps fuel our community efforts and exemplifies the spirit of giving. But why volunteer? Volunteering offers profound benefits — not just to those served, but to the volunteers themselves. Engaging in community service connects us with others, fosters empathy and teamwork, and strengthens our social fabric. It's about making a tangible difference, building skills, and experiencing the joy of contributing to a larger purpose. Interested in experiencing these benefits firsthand? Join us at P2P and discover how your time and talents can make a significant impact. Whether as an individual, a family, or a civic or corporate group, your involvement will help us meet the growing needs of our community. Learn more at p2pHelps.org/volunteer. Thank you, volunteers, for everything you do! Your commitment doesn't just change lives — it enriches yours too!! #VolunteerAppreciationWeek #MakeADifference #GetInvolved #PersontoPerson

This Earth Day, let's remember that sustainability isn't just about the environment—it's about communities too. P2P is committed to nurturing our planet and our neighbors. From reducing food waste through our food pantries and mobile pantry to providing essential resources that empower people and lessen the need for extensive resources, every small act of kindness is part of a larger, sustainable future. There are so many ways to become involved with P2P. Become a volunteer, host a food drive or make a donation. For more information visit p2pHelps.org.