MEALS, SHELTER AND SUPPORT

Thomas Merton Family Center

Bridgeport (Greater Bridgeport area)

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The Thomas Merton Family Center is committed to providing a loving, safe and hope-filled community atmosphere that responds to the needs of its guests. Respecting the dignity of each person, we reflect to the individual and the community our shared responsibility to love and support one another. We believe the sharing of a hot meal is an invitation to come in and share in a place where one can belong; respect and love are mutually given and received; each person is valued and not to be judged; and healing life’s hurts is possible with people who care. Collaboration with other agencies and people is essential to meeting the needs of those we serve.

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Services

Dining Services:
- Serving breakfast & lunch daily from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
- Over 300 guests served each day.
Connie’s Eat Smart Food Pantry:
- Among the largest in Bridgeport, provides 5 days of nutritious meals each week.
- Guests select groceries with dignity in a grocery store setting.
- New cooking classes for healthy eating and community-building.
Case Management:
- Helping guests break poverty cycles through intake assessments, action plans, resource connections, and advocacy.
Mail Program:
- Provides a secure mailing address for those without one, enabling access to Social Security, Medical, and EBT cards.

Shower Program:
- Warm showers, clean towels, toiletries, and new socks, underwear, and t-shirts provided to guests.
Immigration Legal Services:
- DOJ-accredited Catholic Charities team offers affordable, reliable legal counseling to navigate citizenship and family reunification.
Housing Assistance:
- Support in finding housing for homeless and housing-insecure guests, managing limited resources.
Partnerships and Future Collaborations:
- With Southwest Community Health Center, CT State Community College, STRIVE/Career Resources Job Training, ESL and Financial Literacy Classes.

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Events

Join us for the 31st Annual Thomas Merton Family Center Celebrity Breakfast, featuring special guest Darryl Strawberry. A four-time World Series champion and baseball legend, Darryl’s journey extends far beyond the field. Having overcome immense personal struggles including addiction, abuse, and incarceration, he now dedicates his life to spreading a message of hope and transformation through the gospel.

Who to Contact

Main: (203) 367-9036
Fax: (203) 367-8828

Interim Director, Sabine Kuczo
[email protected]

Volunteer Coordinator, Karen Frissora
[email protected]

Operations Manager, Nick Martinez
[email protected]

Donor Relations, Marianne Kahn
[email protected]

Location

1406 State Street
Bridgeport, CT 06605

Office Hours

Monday-Friday
8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Volunteer at TMFC

Wish Lists

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Service Hours

Monday – Friday:
Breakfast: 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Lunch: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Tuesday, Thursday:
Shower Program

Eat Smart Food Pantry Schedule

The Thomas Merton Family Center Food Pantry will be open for shopping on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Under the new schedule, we will be dividing shopping days by last name. Each family will still shop just once a month. To find yourshopping day, please see the chart below:
TUESDAYS: Last names beginning with A, B, C, D, E, F, G
WEDNESDAYS: Last names beginning with H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P
THURSDAYS: Last names beginning with Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z

The pantry will hold open registration for new families every Monday from 10 am to 1 pm. We will no longer require advance appointments for registration.