 As part of our collaboration with Charter Oak Communities, Family Centers' Resident Services Coordinators (RSC) are located within each publicly assisted community to provide onsite counseling, support and referal services to residents. And while our RSC's help residents with everything from goal planning to facilitating a greater sense of self-sufficiency, they also strive to impart a greater sense of community.
Along with Senior Resident Services Coordinator Kimberley Jackson, residents at the Westwood development created a food pantry to ensure that no family living in the complex goes without food.
Rather than having the pantry stocked by local food banks, Westwood residents simply buy a little extra when they do their own grocery shopping. When available, fresh produce is provided by Fairgate Farm, a community farm operated through the Vita Health & Wellness District. The pantry operates on an "open-door" policy, meaning any Westwood resident can take food when they need it. While there's no cost associated, residents are asked to make a donation to the pantry when they can.
"Our residents are grateful for all the services they recieve here at Westwood," said Jackson. "As a way to give back and help their neighbors, some residents opened this food pantry. It's a really nice way for residents to take care of their neighbors and strengthen this community."
Other Charter Oak Communities-run developments have also taken Westwood's lead and created their own food panties.
Click here to learn more about the Community and Supportive Services program and our partnership with Charter Oak Communities.
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