St. Vincent DePaul Open House for "New Center for Change" on November 19

Join St. Vincent de Paul Middletown (SVDM) and Quinnipiac University as we celebrate the expansion of our Occupational Therapy (OT) program in its new space on Main Street, the Center for Change. We are excited to open the Center's doors to the community for the first time at an Open House on Thursday, November 19 from 4-6pm where attendees can explore the space and connect with those who brought this new initiative to life. In addition to our OT program, we will be sharing the space with Grace & Mercy Family Ministries, a non-denominational faith-based ministry open to all led by Pastors Damon and Middiree Gibbs.

Situated in Middletown's North End, SVDM is more than just a soup kitchen – often, it is the start of a path to a better life. SVDM's Occupational Therapy and Vocational Arts program extends SVDM's mission of healing and inclusion beyond the Soup Kitchen meal line. Developed in partnership with a Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University, the program is evidence-based, trauma-informed, and nonjudgmental, designed specifically for individuals facing homelessness, substance use disorder, and co-occurring mental health concerns. The program lets clients engage in meaningful, purposeful activity which allows them to rebuild daily structure, dignity, and hope, as well as achieve practical steps towards housing, sobriety, and employment.

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The new Center for Change, located at 605 Main Street, will expand SVDM's current capacity to provide OT programming to clients. In 2025 the program saw a 65% increase in participation over its previous year, serving 185 total clients and hosting 1,705 OT visits. That momentum has continued into 2026, with participation already surpassing previous years. As the Center for Change continues to grow, it will create even more opportunities to empower individuals and support their participation in everyday life.

The Open House will take place at the Center for Change on Thursday, November 19, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact Liz Britney at elizabeth@svdmiddletown.org or 860-344-0097, ext. 116.