Birth of the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse

In late 2014, a discussion began on the lack of services and programs available, or known, to veterans in the Northeastern Connecticut area. As part of the Connecticut Congressional District-2, NECT has the largest concentration of veterans, approximately 60,000 as of 2019, which is nearly twice the number of any other district – yet most services and programs for veterans in Connecticut are focused in the Hartford area. Discussions continued to grow, more community members and local veterans came onboard and the realization of the importance to bring an organization together to serve the veteran community came into full light.

By April 2015 the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse was established. Starting as a twice-monthly meeting, with 13-veterans in attendance for the first meeting, the Coffeehouse set out a mission to provide a comfortable location for all veterans, both men and women of any age, to meet, socialize and connect with one another while providing and discussing information regarding veterans benefits and service through federal and state agencies and programs.

Our mission endures today, with more than 250-current members, 100 + members in attendance at weekly Coffeehouse meetings and numerous community partnerships and outreach initiatives – including:  Our weekly Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse Meeting - Support Navigating the VA system and benefits - Guest Speakers - George W. Brown Community Champion Award - Smiley's Breakfast with Santa - Monthly Foodshare - Visiting Veterans at Local Nursing Homes - Donating  School Supplies - Class Room Out Reach - Annual Scholarship