Gwendolyn Love and Jill Gwydir are both members of the leadership team at Lunchbreak, a New Jersey nonprofit that provides food, clothing, life skills, and fellowship to those in need. Gwen, the current Executive Director of Lunch Break, was previously the community director for a partnership between the Township of Neptune, New Jersey and the state’s Urban Coordinating Council that helps communities in need of revitalization. Jill, has also worked for many non-profit organizations, such as the YWCA of the City of New York, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Both Gwen and Jill’s passion for community outreach combined with the support of an incredible staff, Board of Directors, volunteers, and donors has helped Lunch Break provide residents of Monmouth County and beyond help for today and hope for tomorrow.
The Mission Behind Lunch Break
Lunch Break’s mission is simple yet profound: to alleviate hunger and break the cycle of poverty. Since its inception, the organization has grown from a humble soup kitchen in the basement of a church to a multifaceted service provider with a 22,000-square-foot facility in Red Bank. Today, Lunch Break not only offers meals but also provides clothing, life skills training, and fellowship, aiming to move individuals from dependency to self-sufficiency.
Gwendolyn Love has been instrumental in this evolution. With a background in community development and affordable housing, Gwen has a deep-rooted commitment to helping underserved populations. Her leadership has seen the expansion of Lunch Break’s services and the establishment of the Life Skills Center, which plays a pivotal role in equipping individuals with the tools they need to achieve long-term success.
The Life Skills Center: A Catalyst for Change
The Life Skills Center, a cornerstone of Lunch Break’s initiatives, exemplifies the organization’s holistic approach to community support. This program offers personalized coaching and training, helping participants navigate the complexities of the job market and develop essential life skills. As Gwen pointed out, the center’s goal is to provide a roadmap for success, allowing individuals to regain their dignity and self-respect as they work towards self-sufficiency.
The Life Skills Center’s recent expansion now allows all of Lunch Break’s programs to operate under one roof, enhancing the organization’s ability to serve the community effectively. This centralized approach not only improves access to services but also fosters a sense of community among participants, staff, and volunteers.
Corporate Sponsorships: Driving Community Impact
Corporate partnerships are another vital component of Lunch Break’s success. Jill Gwydir, who began her journey at Lunch Break as a volunteer and now leads the organization’s development efforts, discussed the importance of these partnerships. Through the Partners for Corporate Impact program, businesses can engage in meaningful community service, whether through volunteering, donating, or providing pro bono services.
Jill emphasized the mutual benefits of such partnerships: companies enhance their brand awareness and team cohesion, while Lunch Break gains the resources needed to expand its reach. However, she also acknowledged the challenges of securing support from larger corporations, a task made more difficult by the competitive landscape of nonprofit work. Despite these challenges, Lunch Break remains committed to forging new partnerships and expanding its network of corporate supporters.
The Heart of Lunch Break: Volunteers
Volunteers are the lifeblood of Lunch Break. With a small staff of 30, the organization relies on the dedication of over 2,000 volunteers annually to keep its programs running smoothly. From sorting donations to serving meals, these volunteers play a crucial role in Lunch Break’s operations. The organization’s ability to mobilize such a large and committed volunteer base is a testament to the impact it has on the community and the trust it has built over the years.
Opportunities to Get Involved
For those looking to make a difference, Lunch Break offers numerous opportunities to get involved. Whether through direct service, corporate sponsorship, or governance roles, there are many ways to contribute to the organization’s mission. Gwen encouraged listeners to visit the facility, meet the staff and volunteers, and see firsthand the work being done. This, she believes, is the best way to understand the profound need in the community and the difference that Lunch Break is making every day.
The episode of Cg Business Advisor featuring Lunch Break serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated individuals and organizations can have on their communities. As Lunch Break continues to grow and adapt to meet the needs of Monmouth County and beyond, the support of the broader community—through donations, volunteer work, and corporate partnerships—remains essential.
To learn more about how you can support Lunch Break, visit their website at lunchbreak.org. And as always, stay tuned to Cg Business Advisor for more insights on how businesses and individuals can give back to their communities. Click here to listen to this episode and other Cg Business Advisor episodes.© 2024