Who We Are

Meet the Director: Connie Jenkins

Connie Jenkins has been running the daily operations of the Church and Community Program since 2016. She's a native of Ogdensburg, a graduate of St. Lawrence University, and has spent much of her career as a newspaper reporter and editor. In her experience as a writer, her work as a newspaper editor and her involvement with Habitat for Humanity in Malone, Connie has proven to be an advocate for those in need.

“It’s not easy to come for help," she observes, "but our clients are relieved that we are here, and I am relieved too. It’s good to be able to help somebody and know that you’ve made a difference.”

Connie has also been an active advocate for people who need her help by working in a larger context. In March, 2017, she visited Washington DC in an effort to appeal to lawmakers and ensure that the safety net programs that are in place to combat hunger remain intact. Connie was one of only four food pantry staffers to represent the Food Bank of Central New York, which covers an 11-county portion of northern New York. She spent four days in the nation’s capital attending workshops, listening to speakers and mingling with anti-hunger advocates from across the country--even meeting with our senator and our congressional representative to discuss North Country issues.

She brings to the Church & Community Program energy and insight for its continuance. “I realized it’s really how I would like to use my newspaper background,” Connie says. “I’ve always tried to be an advocate for those in need and to link people with information or services that might help them."

If you stop in at the CCP Office, you'll often find Connie working with volunteers in the Food Pantry and Second Chance Thrift Shop or perhaps meeting with people who need our services, but she hopes you'll stop by her office to say hello while you're here. You can also reach Connie by emailing her at director@ccpcanton.org or calling her at 315-386-3534.

Meet Our Volunteers

Without the many dedicated volunteers who assist in the food pantry with deliveries, distribution of food, and assistance with office duties, and in the thrift shop as cashiers and stockers, we would be out of business. Week after week, seemingly tireless women and men make all we do possible every day.

Many volunteers work regular shifts, one or more days a week, and if you visit the CCP Office at any time of day, you'll see them moving busily about, talking with clients, doing food distribution in the pantry, giving fashion advice in the thrift shop, doing the tasks we need done--and seeming to have a great time while they're at it.

Beyond work in the office, more than a hundred people work for a few weeks each year on our seasonal, child-centered programs, Back to School and Giving Tree. Some are our regular volunteers, but others also pitch in when needed to contribute their time and effort to make our community a better place to be.

We've posted some pictures below to give you an idea of the kind of work done by our volunteers.

If you have time, we'd love to have your help for our crucial tasks. If you'd like to explore volunteer opportunities, click here to let us know who you are, and Connie Jenkins, our director, will contact you.

Volunteers are the backbone of our operation. Please consider becoming one.