It’s often said at Lutheran Social Services that hope begins with a meal.  No one knows that more than Stella, a woman who sought LSSSO services.  She called Fairhaven Place, the supportive housing facility, last winter.  She and her children were nearly out of food and were staying their last night in a hotel, as Stella could not afford another day.  The Fairhaven staff promptly linked her to LSS Fairfield County food pantry to see to their immediate hunger needs.  Fairhaven then paid for another night at the hotel and sprang into action.  Stella was linked with other organizations for food stamps and housing.  Today, the family is still in that apartment, and Stella is working on her GED as she continues to make great strides toward self-sufficiency.

A food pantry client selects food for her family.