Doing Good in the Neighborhood
Being a business owner is like being a mom. In theory, you aren't allowed to play favorites but everyone knows that's total malarkey and that the favorites exist. (Sorry, Joe and other middle children of the world!)
Unabashedly, my favorite Family Dinner delivery is to a place called Centerboard in Lynn, MA. Each week we send them a bag full of local grass-fed beef and organic pork for their residents' dinners. Each week we charge them zero dollars.
The kids that live in this spot are really special and wonderful. Fun fact, we discovered this place because my dad used to run a school for kids with Cerebral Palsy in that same building for 40 years. First time I toured the place last year I ugly cried like a baby. Very uncouth.
Centerboard operates an 8-bed Community Treatment Residence (CTR)serving kids aged 12–18 who are referred by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF). These kids need an extra bit of love and support and they get it here in spades.
The program provides a trauma-informed, therapeutic, supportive residential environment where young people can safely access the community while working toward stability and independence. The kids live here, get services here and are a part of the community. Family Dinner is just a tiny, tiny part of the great things that happen here but we are thrilled to be a part of their day. From their Director, Antoine:
The Family Dinner donations have been a wonderful resource for Centerboard "CTR" program residents. They provide not only a nutritious meal, but also a meaningful way to support Centerboard residents. We’re incredibly grateful for the partnership and support we receive from organizations such as Family Dinner that believe in helping families in our community.
It's all of you who make this little bit of joy happen every week. If you squint at life, some pretty beautiful things show up.
Thank you for being a part of this community, and this work.
Much love,
Erin and Joe
