February News from SSKP

Latest News - February 2024

Dear Friends,

About a decade ago my household began a challenge to spend as close to zero during the January as possible. Some years have been more successful than others and every year I learn something new. This year my “no spend January” did not go as planned. On January 1^st I was looking for something to watch and “clicked” to purchase a movie without a second thought. It only took a few seconds for me to realize I had failed my challenge only a few hours after it had begun. I was reminded how easy it is to “click” to purchase. The remainder of January I continued pondering because my purchase had only been half of the movie. I am fortunate that this oops didn’t lead to a snowballing financial situation. If my account was tighter this one action could have triggered an overdraw with fees beyond that of the original purpose, or created a situation where I was unable to pay a crucial bill.

It is easy to look back and see what I could have done differently. It’s easy to “know” what could be done differently. I am grateful that others did not tell me that I should have known better, that I could have borrowed a movie from the library, or just reread the book version that was on my shelf.

One of the many things I love about the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries (SSKP) is the space we provide for guests to be who they are without judgment. Not everyone eats the same foods, not everyone has the same capacity to cook, not everyone is the same, and we are all doing the best we can in this moment. Through our five pantries, 8 meal sites, and backpack support pantry we strive to share food and fellowship side by side with dignity and respect.

I hope you can join us for the SSKP Annual Meeting on Monday February 12, 6pm. We will hear from SSKP Staff and the Board of Directors, view photo highlights, and lift our hearts in gratitude for the collaborative efforts that enabled us to share almost 2 million pounds of food last year.

Your support makes a difference!

Thank you,

Amy

SSKP Annual Meeting on February 12th

You are invited to our Virtual SSKP Annual Meeting on Monday, February 12, 2024. The meeting will start at 6pm for an hour of sharing and updates about all we accomplished together during 2023. We hope you will join us!

Please email Diane in the SSKP Office to RSVP and receive the link for the gathering.

CFMC Supports SSKP with Grant

SSKP has received a generous $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC) with funding provided by the Ellen Patterson Memorial Fund, Ivoryton Congregational Church Human Services Fund, the Sherry and Herb Clark Family Fund, and the River View Cemetery Fund.

This grant will purchase fresh and nonperishable food to be shared with those in need on the shoreline through our weekly food pantries in Clinton, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. "This donation helps assure that all our neighbors will have access to the food their family needs," said Amy Hollis, Executive Director of SSKP. "We are so grateful for the ongoing support of the Community Foundation of Middlesex County."

The Community Foundation of Middlesex County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Middlesex County, and to help Good People Do Great Things. The mission of the Community Foundation of Middlesex County is to improve the quality of life for the people of Middlesex County now and in the future by developing endowments, making grants that have impact, and assisting donors in meeting their philanthropic objectives. Our interests are your interests, including animal welfare, arts and culture, health and social services, education, history, the environment, civic improvements, recreation, and economic security and opportunity. They welcome conversations with good people who want to do great things.

Call 860.347.0025 or info@MiddlesexCountyCF.org for more information.

Please Vote for SSKP at Essex Savings Bank

Please help SSKP receive a grant from Essex Savings Bank's "Community Investment Program" to support our mission to provide food and fellowship.

Everyone who banks with Essex Savings Bank can vote for participating non-profits, either online or at a bank branch.

The voting ends Feb. 28th, so please cast your vote for SSKP!

SSKP Staff Update

SSKP is excited to welcome Tiff Zwart to our team at SSKP!

A resident of Deep River, she and her husband are the proud parents of two sons and two rescue dogs. Tiff's has a deeply-rooted commitment to family, community, and giving back. She is a dedicated Rotarian, living by the Rotary motto, “Service before Self,” serving as the Club Membership Chair for the Rotary E-Club of Global Diversity and Environment in Southern CT, USA, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose within the club. Committed to promoting mental health awareness, Tiff also plays a vital role on the Mental Health Committee for the Rotary, working to reduce stigma and support those in need.

In addition to her professional and community endeavors, Tiff is a dedicated volunteer with the East Coast Canine Rescue, a board member of Tri Town Youth Services, a Justice of the Peace, and an ordained minister.

Tiff Zwart also brings a wealth of expertise from a background in the wedding and event planning industry, bringing her skills in the art of organization and precision to SSKP.

We are so thrilled to welcome Tiff to our SSKP family!