The students’ teacher, Maura Galante, offered to get her students involved in DESK, and after working with DESK’s Development team, identified a need for more art in DESK’s 266 State Street Drop-in and Resource Center to help guests feel safe, comfortable, and welcomed. Galante’s students learned about DESK’s mission and food insecurity in New Haven, and then created art showcasing different foods in each student’s individual style. “They embraced the project – it was a social-emotional learning lesson where they brainstormed appropriate imagery and considered what they’d want to see in a community center. They wanted to make positive and uplifting messages for the diners,” said Galante.

Young volunteers help support DESK through food and clothing drives, school events, and volunteer opportunities that include families, and we are always looking for new partnerships that can help us meet our mission and to spread awareness through education about homelessness, food insecurity, and poverty in New Haven, including through donations, drives, and volunteer opportunities.