Neighbors of Arlington Meadows Welcome Community Table: A New Partnership for a Thriving Neighborhood

A recent meeting between Arlington Meadows neighbors and the leadership of Community Table marked the start of an exciting and meaningful collaboration. This gathering brought together President and CEO Sandy Martin, Chief Communication and Resource Officer Leanne Cadman, and Chief Operations Officer Rocky Baldassare with several members of Arlington Meadows, fostering a shared vision of service and a deepened understanding of how we can uplift our community together.

Community Table, a cornerstone of nourishment and assistance for Metro communities West of I-25, is moving to Arlington Meadows in June 2025, bringing with them a wealth of resources that will profoundly benefit our neighborhood. Their dedication to combating food insecurity shines through their robust food pantry, which sources essentials from federal programs such as The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and Everyday Eats/Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), as well as through partnerships with local grocery stores, city grants, and the invaluable generosity of community donations and volunteers. Beyond the pantry, Community Table reaches the most vulnerable among us through mobile pantries serving seniors, disabled adults, students at college campuses, and families in long-stay hotels. Their meal programs extend support to children in Arvada, Wheat Ridge, and Westminster schools, ensuring no child goes hungry.

While focused on ensuring our community is fed, their mission extends far beyond food. Community Table provides emergency financial assistance once per year for rent, utilities, deposits, and medical copayments, alleviating hardships for those facing unexpected crises. They assist with applications for food stamps, health care, veterans’ benefits, disabilities, and Social Security—an invaluable service for those navigating complex systems. Their educational initiatives, including GED tutoring and test preparation on Tuesdays and Thursdays, empower individuals to build brighter futures. Cooking and nutrition classes promote well-being, while their office space is open to community partners like Jefferson County Public Health. Even the smallest details reflect their commitment to community—such as donating to the neighborhood through the Adopt A Street program, adopting W. 60th Avenue from Wolff to Tennyson St.

Their new Arlington Meadows location will be a symbol of hope and hospitality that resonates deeply with our community. With expanded food storage and shopping areas, a welcoming community meeting room open to all, additional office space, and a spacious waiting area, no one seeking help will be left out in the cold. The thoughtfully designed facility features a services entrance and parking, a welcoming lobby, a Neighbor’s Choice Market, a donation dock, a Neighbor Connection Center, a hospitality hub, a warehouse, and a community room—each space designed to foster dignity and connection.

As we embark on this partnership, Arlington Meadows is eager to embrace the opportunities to support and engage with Community Table. We invite all neighbors to contribute in whatever ways they can—whether through food donations, personal hygiene products, pet food and supplies, monetary contributions, or by offering their time and energy as volunteers.

There are ongoing volunteer opportunities abound, including:

• Sorting daily donations of fresh produce, baked goods, dairy products, canned and frozen items.

• Picking up food donations from grocery stores and community drives.

• Assisting in the food pantry, welcoming shoppers, and helping them select their groceries with dignity.

• Managing lobby waiting areas, ensuring those in need feel seen and supported.

• Participating in annual events such as the 25X25 Food Drive, Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, and the Charity Golf Classic.

• Tutoring individuals pursuing their GEDs.

• Supporting the Feeding the Future and Mobile Pantry programs.

Most volunteer shifts take place from Tuesday to Friday, between 9 AM and 4 PM, lasting between two to four hours or more. Every moment spent in service fosters a stronger, more compassionate community.

This meeting was not just a conversation; it was a foundation—a foundation built on mutual learning, shared commitment, and a belief that by working together, Arlington Meadows can become a place where no one goes hungry, and everyone has a path to a better tomorrow. The future is bright, and with Community Table by our side, we are ready to make it even brighter.

Join us in this journey. Donate, volunteer, or simply share this story to support Community Table. Together, we will ensure that Arlington Meadows is a neighborhood of abundance, care, and unwavering support for all.