As the new full-time volunteer coordinator for Community Dining Room (CDR), Gleeson Edwards is all about helping nonprofit CDR’s valuable volunteer members contribute their time and talent to deliver the best possible services and programs to families and individuals. CDR serves Branford, North Branford, Guilford, and East Haven residents.

The importance of community and volunteering is something Gleeson had modeled for her from an early age by her mom, Pam Gery, the current director of Guilford’s Parks and Recreation and Senior Center. Growing up in Guilford, Gleeson was a youngster when her mom served as director of North Branford’s Parks and Recreation and Senior Center from 2000 until 2015.

“My mom is definitely a big inspiration,” says Gleeson. “I helped volunteer for the Potato and Corn Festival as a kid, and I was always getting involved at the senior center. I think that’s part of why I’m so outgoing! I love to socialize and meet different people and to be able to help them and give back. I definitely thank my mom for that.”

Gleeson joined CDR in May part-time to assist former Volunteer Coordinator Joe Limitone, and when he moved on to a new opportunity, she was delighted to be able to step into the role as CDR’s full-time coordinator. With her previous knowledge of CDR programs, staff, and volunteers, Gleeson has been able to hit the ground running, says Judy Barron, CDR’s executive director.

One program Gleeson is currently helping CDR to promote is a new mobile app, The Point. It allows volunteers to use their mobile device to sign up for shifts.

“It’s a really great way for volunteers to have easy access to sign up for shifts,” says Gleeson. “You can actually see all of the upcoming volunteer opportunities and needs in the coming months, and sign up for that shift on the app. It’s a great way for our organization to get all the information out there, and for our volunteers to sign up for shifts that work for their schedule.”

The app also saves a lot of cold-calling, tracking, and report creation for volunteer coordinators like Gleeson. And that’s a good thing because Gleeson has plenty of other projects and programs on her plate. Right now, she’s getting creative with planning CDR’s annual Volunteer Recognition Reception (VRR), which is coming up in November.

“It’s all about honoring our volunteers and showing them how much we appreciate them,” says Gleeson. “Anyone who has volunteered with CDR is invited to attend. It’s also a really cool way to bring together volunteers that don’t normally end up on the same shift or may not be able to meet all of our staff.”

She’s excited to be planning her first VRR event, which brings everyone together to enjoy a delicious meal at CDR and some special programming to thank volunteers.

“This year’s VRR is going to have a red carpet theme because all our volunteers are superstars,” Gleeson says. “My plan is to nominate every single person for an award because whether you’re here one hour or weekly, it really does make such a difference. We couldn’t do it without them.”

Another focus for Gleeson is adding more folks who’d like to join CDR’s volunteer corps.

“We have a lot of people who have been here for a long time and continue to volunteer week after week, month after month. That’s been really helpful and it gives us such a big, strong backbone,” Gleeson says. “But with the holiday season coming up, there will be a lot more opportunities to get involved. We’ve also got our Family Night in East Haven that’s going to be taking off in October, so we can use help there, too. There’s also always a need for substitutes and people who can fill in on an ‘as-needed’ basis because things happen!”

Gleeson also organizes CDR’s periodic volunteer orientations to onboard new volunteers. Volunteers can sign up at any time at communitydiningroom.org and will be slotted into upcoming orientations. The next CDR Volunteer Orientation is set for Monday, Dec. 9, from 5 to 6 p.m. at CDR in Branford, 30 Harrison Avenue.

“You don’t need to be from the four towns we service to volunteer,” Gleeson notes. “We have volunteers from New Haven, Madison, and other towns. Anyone is able to send in an application.”

Volunteers can give as much or as little time as they can spare, she adds.

“We have some volunteers who come in three times a week and others who sign up for shifts when they can. It’s totally up to them. We have no expectations, and we have no age limit, so kids can volunteer, too.”

At the dining room in Branford, CDR offers daily hot meals Sunday through Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. (take out or dine in); Family Night Tuesdays from 5 to 6:30 p.m. (also beginning Oct. 2 in East Haven, 91 Taylor Ave.); Tuesday Night Take Out Dinner (pick up between 5 to 6:30 p.m.) and Homebound Delivery to Branford and North Branford residents in need Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Gleeson says the CDR dining room comes to life when it’s filled with guests and volunteers.

“The vibe is really supportive. It’s a great community space where people feel really welcome. The person at the door is always smiling and greeting people, and all our volunteers put some extra love in the air for everybody,” says Gleeson. “We also have some volunteers who will come and play music during some of the lunch services. The idea is we are creating a community environment for everyone.”

As a nonprofit with a productive but small staff, CDR relies heavily on its volunteers to be successful in its mission to provide “more than just a meal,” says Gleeson.

“We would not be anywhere without our volunteers. I 'm really honored and excited to work with them. Just seeing all that they do has been such a great experience.”