New Leader Takes Over At Southington's Anti-Hunger Agency

Bread for Life

SOUTHINGTON, CT — A local social services agency that works to ensure that "no one goes hungry," has the same mission in the new year, but it also has a new leader.

Southington-based "Bread for Life" has announced the recent retirement of Donna Ayer as its executive director for eight years, with Missy Cipriano now taking over.

Cipriano is the former director of operations for Bread for Life.

Ayer officially retired on Dec. 31, 2024, with Cipriano taking over on Jan. 2.

"Bread for Life," aims to provide "food, fellowship and a sense of dignity to those in need," according to its website.

It operates a local kitchen from where it can provide meals to homebound seniors and children in the summer, along with those suffering from food insecurity.

The organization also helps clients utilize various other agencies during their time of need.

Cipriano joined the organization, along with Ayer, in 2016 after working together at the Southington Community YMCA, according to a Bread for Life release.

Cipriano has been involved in the Southington community for more than 20 years, including serving a term on the Southington Board of Education, the Southington Elderly Commission, Activate Southington, The Karen Smith Academy, UR Community Cares; and the Alzheimer’s Association CT.

She is also currently the vice chair for the Southington Public Library and Barnes Museum board.

“Missy has provided tremendous leadership over her years at Bread for Life and her

energy and passion every day is massive. She leads from the heart and
achieves exceptional success for those in need in Southington," said Bread for Life board chairperson Pat Byrne.

Cipriano said she was honored to take over her new role with the agency.

“It is with great honor and gratitude that I will begin my next season at Bread for Life as executive director," she said.

"The past eight years have been such a great experience building upon the 32-year foundation laid before my arrival.

"I am truly looking forward to continuing the relationships and partnerships that have already been established and am excited about the new relationships that will be made.

"The future for Bread for Life is clear and bright, due to the great support of all our donors, volunteers, and business partners. We will continue to serve at the highest level of dignity recognizing that our vision that ‘No One Goes Hungry’ is so much more than food-- it is a symphony of obstacles that could affect any of us at any time.’

Ayer became executive director in November 2016 when the late Eldon Hafford retired.

She announced her retirement in October and stayed in the position through the end of the year.

Byrne offered kind words about the former director.

"Donna has been nothing less than an outstanding leader as the executive director at Bread for Life. I had the absolute pleasure of working with her in those eight-plus years and side by side over the past nine months," Byrne said.

Said Cipriano of Ayer: "When you love what you do, you never work a day
in your life,' a quote says. I will add that when you love who you work with,
possibilities are endless. Donna Ayer has led the charge at Bread for Life
with all heart."

Ayer said she was grateful for her time at Bread for Life.

“It has been my privilege and honor to serve as Bread for Life’s executive director for the past eight years. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside amazing staff and volunteers and to serve our clients," Ayer said.

" After an amazing eight years and our 40th anniversary, I am sad to leave but thrilled by the prospects of what is to come for Bread for Life. Our team is strong, compassionate, and ready to serve the Southington community for the next 40 years."

For more information on Bread for Life, click on this link.