In its continuing mission to combat poverty and homelessness, the Paterson-based nonprofit Eva’s Village has launched a winter breakfast service program which will begin offering a simple breakfast to the needy beginning Dec. 1, 2015.
“Breakfast service during the coldest months is a natural extension of our mission to fight homelessness and poverty. Not only can we provide a nourishing meal and a warm refuge, but we also offer the opportunity for newcomers to explore the programs that make Eva’s Village a place ‘where hope begins’ for so many of our participants,” Eva’s Village Executive Director Marie Reger said.
A nutritious breakfast will be served Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. during the cold winter months. Offerings include hot oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, grits, bagels, and fruits on a rotational basis.
“Eva’s compassion for those in need in the harsh winter weather can’t be better displayed than by offering them a warm breakfast and keeping them out of the cold for those few hours,” Darryl Dela Cruz, executive chef at the Eva’s Village. “These moments are treasured by our dining guests.”
Known as the largest anti-poverty organization in New Jersey, Eva’s Village has been serving hot lunch to the needy since 1982. This is the first time the organization is expanding into the realm of breakfast, according to the group.
The breakfast service program at the Eva’s Community Kitchen augments its lunch program that provides hot meals to the needy every day.
The nonprofit has 19 integrated programs that includes access to food, shelter, counseling, childcare, medical and dental care, education, job training, and many other programs to lift individuals out of poverty.
Guests coming in for a meal do not stand in a cafeteria line they are seated at a table and served meals on plates by volunteers. “We treat our guests with dignity and respect,” Reger said. In the summer months of July and August as well as in the extremely cold winter more seats are added to accommodate the homeless and the working poor seeking a warm meal.
“No one seeking a meal is ever turned away,” Reger said.
Jay Rahman contributed to this report.