Over the past 11 weeks, interns have worked alongside DESK’s development director, Luis Olmo-Rivera, to create DESK’s annual report. The work included designing the publication’s graphics, interviewing clients and stakeholders, and compiling data and success stories to share with funders and the broader community. Luis explained, “It’s been an honor and privilege to have worked with this group of future leaders this past summer.”
They also worked alongside DESK’s community engagement specialist, Stefano Mancini, to deploy DESK’s new volunteer management system CERVIS, which included back-end testing, beta testing with current volunteers, and overall platform testing to ensure it was user-friendly from day one. “DESK is proud to be a place where students across the world can put their skills to service for our guests,” explained Stefano.
Shujin Zhang, a Master of Divinity student at Yale Divinity School, excelled in the client-facing work that will inform her future career in chaplaincy. Shujin noted about her experience that ”I have witnessed struggles and moments of despair, but I have also been continually inspired by the compassion, dedication, and hope demonstrated through my colleagues’ frontline service.”
Anthony Arcangelo, a rising sophomore at Yale studying Economics, came to DESK as a President’s Public Service Fellow through Yale’s Office of New Haven Affairs. While DESK has hosted several outstanding PPSF fellows in the past, we were particularly excited this year to have a fellow who is local, from East Haven! Reflecting on his work, Anthony stated that “Working at DESK has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. A key theme that stood out to me during my time at DESK was the genuine care and compassion shared across the organization. Everyone—administrators, staff, volunteers, and donors—truly cares about the well-being of the community, which is hard to find in any other environment.”
Ashvin van Bladel, a rising senior at Hopkins School, thrived helping with DESK’s annual report! Ashvin said about his time at DESK that “Having worked here, I can say with certainty that homelessness is not something that anyone should go through alone, and I believe that DESK is making sure that our clients feel seen, heard, and part of a community.”
Elyssa Power, a rising junior at Hopkins School, was one of DESK’s youngest-ever interns, but rose to the occasion with excellent work. Elyssa shared that “One of the most meaningful parts of my experience was interacting with clients and seeing firsthand the positive impact that kindness and consistency can have on someone’s life.”
DESK is very grateful for our cohort of four Development interns this summer who helped DESK make crucial connections with the New Haven community and communicate our mission to our team of supporters.
Are you interested in joining Shujin, Anthony, Ashvin, and Elyssa in serving over 5,000 community members across all our programs each year? Sign up at deskct.org/signup.
To help build connections between members of our community who share our values, and to thank all of our supporters, DESK hosted our first-ever Supporter Appreciation Family Day at the Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven. Almost 80 members of DESK’s community, from donors to recurring volunteers, came together for a scenic ride on a historic trolley, a lunch generously donated by Aramark, and lawn games – not to mention the great company! The beautiful weather helped us reflect on our work over the past year and create connections across volunteers, donors, interns, and staff across the organization. We were especially proud to invite the whole family to engage with us and share our mission with our youngest supporters!
DESK is grateful to the Shore Line Trolley Museum, which graciously donated its space and trolley rides, and looks forward to continuing to appreciate our supporters who contribute annually so that we may fulfill our mission of serving people experiencing homelessness or living in poverty!
DESK’s Drop-in and Resource Center serves New Haven neighbors experiencing homelessness with vital support in the afternoon and evening, six days a week, so DESK staff are often the first to respond before first responders arrive. In situations where seconds matter – like sudden cardiac arrest – having the proper equipment can truly be the difference between life and death.
Avangrid’s work goes far beyond just one night, though. Avangrid volunteers worked with more than 54 nonprofits across the state for a total of over 10,000 hours in 2025, and recently spotlighted DESK as a valued community partner in a press release. Volunteers from Avangrid have served hundreds of New Haven residents experiencing homelessness and poverty at 266 State Street through volunteering and regular drives for our Thanksgiving for All program. We are proud to be a consistent, year-over-year partner.
DESK has a long-standing relationship with Avangrid, and last year, United Illuminating President Franklyn D. Reynolds came to see DESK’s newly renovated Drop-in and Resource Center. Avangrid supports DESK’s energy efficiency and modernization through the Neighborhood Assistance Act.
Tickets for Breaking Bread are running out – get yourshere to join in an evening of culinary masterpieces. Funds raised from the event allow us to serve thousands of guests each year. You can join in the work that Avangrid does volunteering, hosting drives, and donating – these are the kinds of partnerships that power DESK and our mission to serve our New Haven neighbors. To learn contact volunteer@deskct.org or call (475) 238-6170.
So, they decided to host a holiday party and invite their neighbors to donate to an organization that supported people experiencing homelessness. Once Roger, a longtime DESK supporter and community leader, heard about the party, he directed them to DESK.
The Griffins say that they hope that people all over the area will take the initiative to organize events with a purpose and that “in a world where you can choose to be anything, it’s more fun to choose to be kind.”
This party is a testament to the ripple effect of giving; DESK is proud of how our friends have stepped up amid a year of uncertainty over SNAP benefits, continued high food prices, and rising rates of homelessness.
We’re happy to welcome the Griffins to New Haven and grateful to our supporters who share our mission with their neighbors.
Let’s make the Griffins’ wish come true by responding with renewed passion and generosity to support our community.
Join the Griffins this season in helping fill in the gaps in our community by donating at deskct.org/stepup.
At DESK, we’re all about partnerships—whether with our guests, neighbors, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, local schools, colleges, or the business community in Greater New Haven. Partnerships are the cornerstone of our organization and allow us to continue to go above and beyond when serving people experiencing homelessness or living in poverty by providing food assistance and services that promote health, community, and equity.
Today, we take a moment to highlight our fantastic partnership with Liberty Bank! Many of you may recognize them for their passionate commitment to improving the lives of their customers, teammates, and communities since 1825. At DESK, we truly appreciate how they have embraced and continue to fulfill their mission alongside us.
DESK is grateful for Liberty Bank’s ongoing support of our Dinner Program. More than a third of New Haven’s residents face food insecurity each year. DESK helps individuals and families with chronic hunger, while also connecting them to a range of additional services that can assist with related needs, such as housing, financial stability, and overall health and well-being.
In addition to providing funding, Liberty Bank joyfully collaborates with the organization in many other meaningful ways throughout the year. They host food and clothing drives and eagerly volunteer at our various sites.
Interested in getting involved by hosting a food drive or donating food? Email donate@deskct.org for more information. Interested in volunteering? Email volunteer@deskct.org for more information.
