North Haven Couple To Be Honored By 7 Brew During Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month

NORTH HAVEN, CT — Feeding Families Foundation founders Jeff and Samantha Dorman of North Haven have been named 7 Brew Heroes for September, recognizing their work to support parents and caregivers of children facing serious illness.

The recognition comes during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, making the timing particularly meaningful for the Dormans, whose daughter was diagnosed with leukemia at age 2.

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For the past three years, 7 Brew has "recognized a community hero each month—someone who puts kindness into action and creates a meaningful, lasting impact in the lives of others," according to a news release. "The program reflects 7 Brew's broader commitment to recognizing people who make a difference in their communities."

"We are incredibly honored that 7 Brew chose to recognize us as its September Heroes," said Jeff Dorman, co-founder and chair of Feeding Families Foundation. "It means a great deal to us that they took the time to learn about our story and the work we are doing for families. We are grateful for their kindness and for the opportunity to share this mission with even more people. We saw firsthand how difficult it can be for families when a child is seriously ill, and we wanted to find a way to make a bad situation just a little bit better."

Samantha Dorman, co-founder and executive director of Feeding Families Foundation, said "Supporting parents ultimately means supporting the child. When a child is seriously ill, the focus is naturally on the child. But parents and caregivers need support too. Having a meal and one less thing to worry about can help a parent stay at their child's bedside, be present and focus on caring for them."

7 Brew officially opened its location at 117 Washington Avenue in North Haven in June.

Read more from the news release below:

"We are honored to recognize Jeff and Samantha as our September 7 Brew Heroes and to help shine a light on the incredible difference they're making for families," said Andy Davenport, Head of Philanthropy and Community Impact, 7 Brew. "They experienced firsthand how difficult it can be for a family to meet even a basic need like finding a meal while caring for a child in the hospital, and they chose to do something about it. What they have built through Feeding Families Foundation is kindness in action, and we hope it helps inspire others to make a difference in their own communities."

In 2022, one of the Dormans' daughters was diagnosed with leukemia at age 2. During months of hospital treatment, Jeff and Samantha experienced firsthand the challenges families face while caring for a seriously ill child. While hospitals provide extensive care for the child, parents and caregivers can struggle to find the time, money or ability to get a meal without leaving their child's side.

That experience led Jeff and Samantha to establish Feeding Families Foundation in 2023.

Through its flagship Parent Plate Program, Feeding Families Foundation works with children's hospitals to provide no-cost meals directly to parents and caregivers at their child's bedside. The program has now helped provide tens of thousands of meals to families.

The recognition comes as Feeding Families Foundation continues to expand its work with children's hospitals and community partners. The Foundation partners with local restaurants, businesses, donors and hospital food-service teams to bring meals directly to families.

As part of the recognition, 7 Brew will professionally produce a video telling Jeff and Samantha's story and highlighting the work of Feeding Families Foundation, which the company plans to share across its social media channels.

For Jeff and Samantha, the recognition is a reminder of why they started Feeding Families Foundation: to make a difficult situation a little bit better for families and help parents and caregivers stay focused on what matters most—their child.

To learn more about Feeding Families Foundation, make a donation, or get involved, visit feedingfamiliesfoundation.org. Individuals, businesses and community groups interested in organizing a fundraiser or joining the Foundation's cause are encouraged to reach out. Every contribution helps provide meals and support to families caring for a hospitalized child.