Executive Director Maya Matthews has the vision, smarts, drive, and compassion that has made Enfield Loaves & Fishes the success it is today. She writes grants, takes safety & policy seriously, and always makes everyone feel welcome. The guests asked her to start a summer meal program for their children this summer, and she delivered. She and her team hosted a fun and successful fundraiser this past summer to meet that need. It’s no wonder staff, volunteers & guests are all drawn to this place. She works wonders here! Bless you Maya & all of the team! You all are amazing!! I am proud to be a donor & a volunteer.
I have been a part of Enfield Loaves & Fishes for 3 years and more to come. Not only is Loaves and Fishes a place to have fun, I have learned and gained skills like becoming confident, gain organizational skills, sorting, and building strength in so many different ways. I work with great people. I have also learned that helping out the community fulfills me and makes me happy. Enfield Loaves & Fishes is the place to be.
Enfield Loaves and Fishes provides a meal daily to anyone who comes to dinner. In addition to a healthy good tasting meal, guests eat in a restaurant setting. It is dignity and reprieve that Enfield Loaves and Fishes delivers.
I had volunteered at Loaves and Fishes for many years but stepped away for awhile. I am now back volunteering and under Maya's leadership it has become very easy and comfortable. The clients that are served are appreciative and treated with respect and dignity. The experience for both clients and volunteers is welcoming.
I really enjoy serving dinner on Sunday. The people that volunteer are all friendly and the guests are very grateful.
Wonderful place to volunteer, the building has been partially renovated and provides for a significant number of clients. Food is well supplied by local retail businesses and includes a wide variety of entrees, drinks and deserts. The operation is well managed and provides a welcoming atmosphere to both clients and volunteers.
They treat everyone like family. Their clients are treated as individual. They care about the community.
I retired 7 yrs. ago and I said to myself I cannot be a couch potato. I was looking to do something productive and low and behold God put Priscilla Brayson in my life and if you knew Priscilla she doesn't take no for an answer. Next thing I knew I was doing Wednesday and Friday's. I have met some really great Volunteer's as well as our guest. Well a year or so later Priscilla said there's a opening on the Board of Directors why don't you try it for awhile well I' gladly accepted the position and been on it every since. I'm so proud of the steps we as a Board have made in the past few years especially the move from Prospect St. to N. Main St. We also have hired Maya and Anthony which they are a great asset to the Loaves and Fishes.
I have begun volunteering with Enfield Loaves and Fishes recently. Everyone involved in this organization was so welcoming to new volunteers, supportive and patient with answering questions. They all take great pride in their service to the community and serve the patrons with respect and dignity. This organization is a wonderful partner iin the Enfield community.
I had the pleasure of interacting with EL&F back in the mid-2000s when I was serving as the Assistant Director of Social Services for the Town of Enfield, and am happy to presently serving on EL&F's Board of Directors. Enfield Loaves and Fishes (EL&F) has a long history of serving those in need in the Enfield community. As a resident, human services professional and board member I have always been amazed by the respect, dignity and compassion that EL&F has shown to the people it serves. As the community has grown more diverse and the needs more complex, EL&F has continued to work hard to ensure that all who need a meal are able to access it. The tireless efforts of the Executive Director, staff and volunteers is amazing and often done with little fanfare or accolades. The work of Enfield Loaves and Fishes should be praised and I am confident that will continue to be the case for many years to come.
Loaves and Fishes has been part of my life since 2018. The volunteers are a mixed group. Many retired, many doing community service and many high school students. Everyone is compassionate and the clients are treated with respect.
Most of the clients are regulars and rely on the soup kitchen for regular, healthy meals. Several families with their children attend and are comfortable in the warm and caring environment .Clients are usually polite, kind and grateful for all that we do.
Seeing the clients interact with one another and with staff inspires me. Everyone has a story and most everyone needs a helping hand. I am proud of Loaves and Fishes and the services it provides.