Partnership Spotlight on St. Joseph’s Parenting Center in Danbury
Working Together to Improve the Health and Lives of Children and Families
An embodiment of the meaning of “partnership”
St. Joseph Parenting Center (SJPC) Danbury, CT location embodies what partnership means. SJPC supports Second Chance Foods through produce donations and kitchen equipment acquisitions. In return, our kitchen makes it even easier for SJPC parents and others to enjoy a healthy meal every week before their Parenting Support classes.
“We love this partnership, it has been such a pleasure to work with Kathryn and the Second Chance Foods staff. The meals have been a savior for our team and however we can we try to give back to SCF through food donations, kitchen supplies, and anything else in support!"-Marc Castro, Volunteer Manager, SJPC -Danbury
SJPC Parenting Support Services
St. Joseph’s Parenting Center has always seen food as an essential part of their work. Providing meals before class reduces stress so parents aren’t rushing to feed themselves and their families. It also provides additional support for those who are financially struggling and in need of hunger relief.
"Our partnership with SJPC is a wonderful example of community in action—together, we're turning fresh, rescued ingredients into meals that bring families together and support parents on their journey. It's a joy to work with an organization so dedicated to uplifting and empowering families, and we’re grateful to contribute to their mission by making healthy meals accessible to those they serve." -Kathryn LaCombe, Culinary Director, Second Chance Foods
Adding nourishment and excitement to mealtime
Before Second Chance Foods started cooking the meals for the Danbury SJPC in July, meals were provided by staff, volunteers, or sometimes a local restaurant would fill. There was a lot of coordinating, and the team was always trying to figure out where the next meal would come from. Now, all Marc has to do on Tuesdays is drive to Second Chance Foods, pull the trays of nourishing meals made especially for SJPC, and reheat them before class. This takes the stress off his staff and volunteers and allows them to focus on everything else that makes their programming possible. Though providing meals has always been a part of SJPC’s class structure, Marc has noticed a difference since Second Chance Foods started taking over the cooking.
“Everyone is excited to see what is for dinner because it’s always different. The meals are filled with veggies, and it wasn’t always like that before. It’s cool to see everyone try (and like) new things they’ve never had or that we sometimes take for granted, like Swiss Chard.” -Marc Castro, Volunteer Manager, SJPC -Danbury
Marc also said that participants have requested recipes after the meals. A recent favorite was our Spaghetti Squash Taco bake with layers of spaghetti squash, taco meat, roasted tomatoes, beans, and cheese on top! Other meals include: Pesto Chicken with vegetables and fettuccine and garlic knots, Steak and Pepper Teriyaki, Butternut Lasagna and many more delicious and nutritious meals made with love and care.
Giving back what's put in to strengthen the community
What sets the SJPC partnership apart is their commitment to supporting Second Chance Foods as much as they are supported through weekly meals. Marc has helped get Second Chance Foods kitchen equipment and padded chairs from a restaurant going out of business. They also pass along fresh produce they can’t utilize before it goes bad or other food that needs the care of the Second Chance Kitchen to cook.
"We get a lot of calls from farms or grocery stores to donate items at different times. Sometimes we can turn these donations into a mock grocery store for our clients or pass food out directly to the families we serve, but sometimes due to the timing of the donation or the type of food donated, it is harder for us to use. Being able to share this food with Second Chance Foods ensures that food isn’t wasted and supports the meals that SCF makes for us."-Marc Castro, Volunteer Manager, SJPC -Danbury
More about St Joseph Parenting Center
Saint Joseph Parenting Center’s vision is that all children live in a world free of child abuse and neglect.With that vision in mind, its mission is to strengthen families that are at risk of child abuse and neglect, by providing parenting education and support. They equip parents with the education, tools and resources to change unhealthy parenting patterns and to foster healthy ones in an effort to decrease the incidence of child abuse and neglect. SJPC is located in Danbury and Stamford, and recently opened a Bridgeport service center.
Other Programs- In addition to the weekly parenting classes, SJPC offers Dads Are the Different (DAD) an evidence based 12-class curriculum designed by the National Fatherhood Initiative emphasizing the importance of the father in a child’s life and The Women’s Circle, an 8-class course focused on gather of mothers and teaching them self care.
Get Involved–Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers are a critical part of the SJPC community, bringing their time, experience, and energy to the parenting programs and community events. SJPC is always looking for parenting class facilitators to share their knowledge and experiences. The time commitment is flexible; you only have to commit to two classes twice a year (but can always do more). Volunteers can request to teach a topic they have a professional background in, like finance, or lead any topic they find interesting.
Volunteers receive full training on the material over Zoom or in person. They also receive a facilitator’s guide and activities in advance (including a PowerPoint) so they can review everything and get comfortable with how a night should look.