Growing up in Beacon Falls, Jim Fedak Jr.‘s mother, Marie, taught him about the importance of helping others. His mom — and his Catholic faith — also taught him that actions speak louder than words.
To that end, Fedak, 41, a Shelton resident, launched a free community dinner in October 2010 meant for Valley resident and families having a hard time making ends meet.
There have been four dinners so far at the Christ Episcopal Church on South Cliff Street — with a fifth scheduled for Sunday, June 26 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Since starting the community dinner, attendance has skyrocketed.
The first dinner had only 21 diners, but the fourth installment in May had roughly 90. Fedak expects even more this weekend.
The diners so far have fallen into roughly three categories: people who are homeless, people who are just having some difficulty paying the bills, and those just looking for conversation and companionship.
The faces of the homeless people who attend do not fit the old “hardcore street” stereotype, Fedak said.
Fedak said he schedules his community dinners toward the end of the month on purpose to accommodate those who may be on some kind of government assistance and need that extra help make it through until another check arrives.
Lisa Dias, 37, of Seymour, has volunteered at all four previous dinners, said she is now considering switching her major from accounting to sociology at Housatonic Community College based on her experiences at the dinners.
“Its therapeutic. I enjoy being around people,” she said.
The Original Antonio’s in downtown Ansonia has donated the food for the past four meals. Fedak is looking to other sources now.
“I’m trying to give them (Antonio’s) a break,” he said.
This Sunday’s meal will feature doughnuts from the Dunkin Donuts on Pershing Drive, potatoes from Sandwichman in Seymour, and ziti with sauce from Lanza’s in Ansonia.
Staff from Hill Health Center in Ansonia will have a table set up and will be providing referral services.
Interested volunteers and donors should contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
For more information call 203 – 734-2715 (Tuesday through Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.). If you want to volunteer, call Fedak on his cell phone at 203 – 685-4428.
