Interview with Kristyn LeBlanc, President of Aunt Dot’s Place
When you walk into Aunt Dot’s Place, the first thing you see is a comfy waiting room with lots of books and puzzles, much like you might see in a doctor’s office. Clients check in at the main desk, and are then able to walk around and make their food selections. The amount of food and supplies that each person can bring home is based on their family size. Parking is available behind their location at 51 Center Road to ensure client privacy.
I was surprised to hear that Aunt Dot’s Place took fresh eggs from backyard chickens, overflow from home gardens, and venison (as long as it is professionally processed and labeled with the hunter’s name). They are currently low in supply on toilet paper, paper towels, and diapers so donations of any of those would be greatly appreciated.
Kristyn also highlighted some of the volunteer opportunities available in fundraising and marketing. Most of these allow the volunteer to work at home on their own time.
Kristyn was drawn to volunteering at Aunt Dot’s place both to help others in need, and “feed her soul.” She discussed how her work at Aunt Dot’s Place has helped her develop new skills and grow both personally and professionally.
In the years to come, Aunt Dot’s Place hopes to be a resource center for those in need, and to provide housing, job search assistance, and other support to help them get back on their feet.
Why Essex? The founders of Aunt Dot’s Place saw that there was more of a community need than was currently being addressed. They hoped to quell the needless suffering of Essex families worried about putting food on the table.
You can find out more here: http://www.auntdotsplace.com/. If you are interested in volunteering, Aunt Dot’s Place will be holding an information Ice Cream Social on April 26th at 6:30 PM in the Brownell Library.
Have an idea for the weekly(ish) Why Essex? column? E-mail Darby Mayville at darby@essexjunction.org.