Open letter and reflection by Jackie Kasinskas, Community Engagement Coordinator

I’d like to start off by saying thank you to the Hands On Hartford staff and volunteers. Your presence at Hands On Hartford is both a celebration of all of us and testament to the community that we have built together.

I was welcomed into the Hands On Hartford team during the height of the pandemic. We had no idea how long this was going to last or the severity of the situation. Our team showed up every day to provide support to the folks we serve. I remember feeling so grateful for having the opportunity to work at this non-profit making a difference during such a scary and unparalleled time.

I continue to be inspired by all the staff who are committed to keeping our doors open to serve our community in a safe, welcoming, and dignified way. When in conversations with people, they are always surprised that we have remained open through all of the pandemic surges. We have truly become the place folks could count on.

When I reflect upon the volunteers, I am grateful for both the motivation and commitment that they have shown in making a difference throughout this time. From packing grocery bags in the pantry to serving our daily meals, all while wearing masks and shields and adhering to the safety precautions. I was inspired by both our new volunteers and our seasoned volunteers who continued serving in our programs to ensure our neighbors were gaining access to the resources they needed.

Throughout all of the chaos, pivots, twists and turns, this team still made time to laugh and support one another. From Pauline’s and Debbie’s dance moves, to dressing up creatively for the Walk Against Hunger theme days, it’s the moments and conversations between the big events that really stand out in my mind. Those moments are what I’ll remember most. Remember when Avon Old Farms brought us thousands of toys for Toy Shoppe and Janet made the all-call on the intercom asking anyone to help move them? I was so grateful to have the staff and volunteers help bring the toys up bag by bag and jump in at a moment where we desperately needed the support.

At the most recent staff “breathing break,” Megyn invited us to think about stories; the stories we tell ourselves, the stories of those around us, the stories we live out in our daily lives. We each have our own stories based on the experiences of our lives. We impact each other and become a piece of one another’s stories.

You each have impacted me in many different ways. Your kindness, tenacity, and the love you put out in the world have continued to inspire me. Through conversations, I have learned bits and pieces of your stories. And now, Hands On Hartford and the community we have built have become a piece of each of our stories as well.

I feel so grateful that I have had the opportunity to work with all of you. I’ll leave you with this, don’t forget to compost! Thank you for being part of my story.

Easter Sunday Community Meal

Join us for a free Easter Sunday meal featuring beef kielbasa with peppers and onions, mac & cheese, salad, corn & carrots, fruit salad and carrot cake! The meal will be served at 11:30 am Sunday, April17, but you are welcome to come in for a cup of coffee at 10am. Bring your family and celebrate the season with your Hartford neighbors – all are welcome! No registration is required. For a flyer, click here: Easter Meal Flyer

An Intern’s Reflection

Reflecting back on my time with Hands On Hartford is difficult because there is so much to say! I began my internship experience with the community engagement team. This area gets very busy in the fall, which also happens to be when I started. Around September this organization is getting ready for the holidays, and there is a ton of work that needs to go into preparing for the various events that happen around the end of the year. It was fast-paced and fun, and I learned about coordinating volunteers for the different services that are offered at HOH. The volunteers make all of the work that is done at HOH possible, and working and learning alongside such dedicated and selfless individuals was a amazing experience. It was also an honor to help with the organization of the annual Toy Shoppe held at Hands On Hartford and take part in an event that brought families such incredible joy.

I was fortunate enough to intern with the development team as well. This area operates at a different pace, but is no less busy than the community engagement team. In this role, I was able to do some prep-work for the organization’s annual report, create informational material for the Walk Against Hunger, and assist in the creation of the January newsletter. I also got quite a bit more interaction with the clients that utilize the services here daily, and I loved being able to assist them with the knowledge that I have acquired through working here. Though I have only interned with two areas, I have learned from every part of this organization. I was encouraged to ask questions, even if these questions did not relate to my role, and they were always answered with immense care and detail.

Working within this organization has also taught me a great deal about myself. It helped me to firmly establish my future career goals, and provided me both the experience and one of the recommendations I needed to get accepted into graduate school. I look forward to what the future has in store, and I am grateful for the role that Hands On Hartford has played in helping me to get there. My time with Hands On Hartford is not quite over, and I’m excited to see what more I can learn while I am still here!

New Year’s Day Meal for the Community

Join us for a free New Year’s Day meal featuring beef brisket, baked potato casserole and pie! (And plenty more.) The meal will be served at 11:30 am Saturday, January 1, but you are welcome to come in out of the cold early at 10am. Celebrate the beginning of a new year with your Hartford neighbors – all are welcome! No registration is required. This event is sponsored by Max Cares Foundation, and First Church of Christ in Simsbury. For a flyer, click here: New Years Meal 2022 v2

Christmas Day Meal for the Community

Join us for a free Christmas Day meal featuring honey-glazed ham and plenty more on Saturday, December 25. The meal will be served at 11:30 am but you are welcome to come in out of the cold early at 10am. We’ll have toys for kids under 12, and gifts of warmth for all. Celebrate the holiday with your Hartford neighbors – all are welcome! No registration is required. This event is sponsored by Max Cares Foundation, Dell EMC, Vox Church, and Gengras Center. For a flyer, click here: Christmas Meal 2021 v2

Thanksgiving Day Meal for the Community

Join us for a free Thanksgiving Day meal and celebration! Meals will be served to dine in, or to go. This is a family-friendly event and all are welcome. Sponsored by Fidelux Lighting, LLC, with care kits provided by employees of The Hartford.

Five New Members Join Hands On Hartford Board

Hands On Hartford welcomes the appointment of five members to its Board of Directors: Harry Amadasun, Jr., a resident of East Hartford, works in Underwriting Operations with Travelers; Nichole Berklas, a resident of West Hartford, is Of Counsel with Bocarsly Emden Cowan Esmail & Arndt LLP; Chris Collibee, a resident of Wethersfield, is State Communications Director for U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal; Michele Frey, a resident of Tolland, is Chief Marketing Officer with Prudential Individual Life Insurance; and Rev. Nicole Grant Yonkman, a resident of Windsor, is Senior Minister for First Church in Windsor.

Hands On Hartford is committed to increasing food security, improving health and providing housing while they engage volunteers and connect communities. Its Board of Directors is a “hands on” Board, with each member deeply committed to giving their time, talent and treasure in support of the Hartford community. As a whole, the Board represents a highly diverse group of individuals bringing a range of knowledge and experience as well as community and corporate connections in advancement of the agency’s mission. Hands On Hartford is delighted to welcome Harry, Nichole, Chris, Michele, and Rev. Nicole to the team!

Hands & Hearts Together: Bring Hope Home

Save the date for Hands On Hartford’s annual event, Hands & Hearts Together!

Here’s the link to the event: View Event Here

This virtual celebration, supporting Hands On Hartford’s housing assistance, homeless outreach and homelessness prevention work, is a unique opportunity to bring together friends, partners, donors and volunteers to support our commitment to the folks who turn to us for help, and the future of the Hartford community. Featuring a program that will engage, educate and entertain, along with a silent auction and call for action, this celebration offers the opportunity to have fun and do good.

Registration with CT grown gourmet supper package created by Ani’s Table: $75 (supper packages available to be picked up Sunday, September 26, noon-3pm, at Hands On Hartford, 55 Bartholomew Avenue, Hartford)

Registration without supper package: free

To register, go to https://handson.cbo.io and click “Buy Tickets”

To sign up for the silent auction, go to : https://handson.cbo.io and click “Login/Register” or “Register Now”

To take a look at the delicious menu created by Ani’s Table, click MENU

Mark your calendars now!

We are now seeking sponsors for this event – more information on sponsorship opportunities is HERE, or contact Kate Shafer at kshafer@handsonhartford.org or 860-706-1505.

Foodshare/CT Food Bank 2021 Walk Against Hunger

Walk with us! We’d love to have all of our friends join us in this year’s Walk Against Hunger! There are a few ways to do that:

Join the Hands On Hartford Friends and Family Team. When you register, be sure to check the box for Hands On Hartford to support our MANNA food programs (Community Meals, the Community Pantry, and the kids’ Backpack Nutrition Program). Click here for our TEAM PAGE. Then click “Donate Now and Join Team” and follow the instructions (you don’t actually have to donate to sign up).
Sponsor one of our team members. Use the same link (TEAM PAGE) and then click on one of the team members’ names to make a donation.
Form your own team. Here’s the link to get started – FORM A TEAM. Again, when you sign up, be sure to check the box for Hands On Hartford to support our MANNA food programs, and remind your teammates to do the same.

This is a great, family-friendly way to fight hunger and food insecurity right here in our own community.

Labor Day Meal for the Community

Join us for a free Labor Day meal and celebration on Labor Day Monday! We’ll have a delicious curried chicken meal and an ice cream truck (no charge). Meals will be available to eat indoors or outdoors, or to go. This is definitely a family-friendly event and all are welcome.