As local needs have persisted, vital program to provide meals is extended for another six weeks
When Corbin Cares and The Darien Foundation partnered back in March to provide meals for Darien senior citizens and families impacted by the shelter-in-place order, the program was projected to wind down by Friday, May 22. However, the ongoing needs related to the pandemic have warranted the program’s extension to Friday, July 3.
“We conceived these meals to replace the lunches that were being served by the now closed Mather Senior Center and to support families who had relied on the school lunch program” said Sarah Woodberry, Executive Director of The Darien Foundation. “We are proud that as of May 22, this collaboration has provided 4,140 meals to those in need.”
Corbin Cares enlisted six local restaurants, including Bodega Taco Bar, Ten Twenty Post, Baldanza Bistro, Four Forks, Jake's Place and UCBC, to provide healthy, boxed meals that are then distributed to the seniors and families. “It’s inspiring to be involved in a public private partnership like this,” said Ward Glassmeyer, Chairman of The Darien Foundation. “Corbin Cares has worked closely with town officials to craft an initiative that provides food for neighbors in need while also generating business for local restaurants.”
Prior to the pandemic, local seniors were accustomed to congregating, connecting with others, and enjoying a discounted lunch together at the Mather Senior Center. This was obviously halted when the Center was closed in March.
In response, Corbin Cares began offering to-go lunches on weekdays from the Mather Center. In this “drive-through” scenario, seniors pull up and remain in their cars at a socially safe distance. Mather staff, wearing masks and gloves, place the boxed/bagged lunches into their vehicles. When the program began, 30 lunches per day were provided. As needs grew, this expanded to 50 lunches per day / 250 per week being served.
Shared Senior Center Director Beth Paris, “We have more than a dozen seniors whom are over 90 years old, and would therefore be particularly at risk during the pandemic. When the lunch program at the Mather Center was temporarily suspended due to health risks associated with the food-shopping duties of Chef Judi Rotar and other part time support staff, we were encouraged to find this solution.”
She continued: “The ‘drive-through’ lunch has served as ‘nutrition on every level’ – for our seniors -- mind, body and soul. Coming to the Center for lunch is an outing that provides a much-needed routine and purpose. Our participants look forward being greeted each day. The restaurants have gone above and beyond in providing fresh, well-balanced and generously portioned meals. This has greatly benefited folks who had a fear of shopping, those who wanted to remain somewhat independent, as well as those who loved being socially connected and cared for by their community. In addition, this has also helped several individuals with monthly expense concerns.”
In addition to support for the seniors, Corbin Cares also provides 300 dinners per week to Darien families (which include about approximately 125 children) who have been identified by the town’s Department of Human Services. Shared David Genovese, the founder and architect of Corbin Cares, “Many people do not realize that there are many families right here in town who suffer from food-insecurity. This program’s goal is to support them, as well.”
Genovese and his Corbin Cares project have galvanized many local businesses, organizations and individuals to step forward to collaborate, help others and provide support for those in need. Also, Corbin Cares has launched a series of free virtual / Zoom events, classes and diversions to inspire, uplift, and connect the community of Darien. The events include a wide array of offerings, from fitness classes to wine tastings to bartending lessons. The events calendar is filled through June, and the complete schedule can be seen at: https://www.thecorbindistrict.com/events/
In addition, concerned by the mental impact of the isolation and anxiety associated with this crisis, First Selectman Jayme Stevenson spearheaded the production of 14 free mental wellness videos, featuring healthcare experts, clergy members, doctors to offer support during these times. The videos, funded by The Darien Foundation and produced by DAF Media, are available for viewing at: https://bit.ly/2zaGGvj