CWCO 2026 SUMMER NEWSLETTER
A Message from the Executive Director: From Empty Warehouse to Welcoming Outreach Center: Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Dear Friends of CrossWalk Community Outreach, Welcome to our Second Quarter 2026 Newsletter! I would like to begin by thanking Cathy Dennehy and Sandra Thibeault for all their effort in making our quarterly newsletter a reality. Thank you both so much! It is hard to believe that only six months ago a group of us walked into an empty warehouse and imagined what it could become: a welcoming place where neighbors in crisis could find food, clothing, comfort, and dignity. Since then, that vision has moved from hope to action through a three-year strategic plan, detailed project priorities, defined leadership roles, and a budget process that helps us steward every donated dollar with care.
EXPANDING OUR COMMUNITY SERVICES OFFERINGS
Our Summer Fundraiser:
Cruisin’ for a Cause on the Songo River Queen July 16th 7pm - 9pm
Only $50.00 per person!
Our annual summer fundraiser is almost here, and we’d love to have you with us! Join us on July 16th for a sunset cruise aboard the Songo River Queen—complete with great food, music, raffles, and a vibrant silent auction. Every ticket supports CrossWalk’s dignity‑driven programs and our goal to purchase our building in Naples. We’re continuing to welcome silent auction donations and sponsorships. Partnering with us is a great opportunity to highlight your business and show the community that you champion local nonprofits. Contact: Cathy Dennehy for Silent Auction Donations & Sponsorship Opportunities – cdennehy@crosswalkco.org * 774-212-0507
COOKING WITH GAS: The Kitchen Transformation
BEFORE
AFTER
After four months of renovation, our kitchen is officially complete—and this milestone is possible because of you. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, including the donation of a brand‑new refrigerator and dishwasher, this space is now fully equipped to nourish our community.
Your support has created a warm, functional hub for meal programs and volunteer gatherings. Every time a neighbor is served, every time a volunteer connects, every time a family finds support, your generosity is at work.
Thank you for helping us build a kitchen that brings hope to the table.
Volunteer Highlight: The Kitchen Team
Our deep gratitude goes to the team of many volunteers who spent their free time painting, plumbing, and organizing this transformation. You are the heart of this kitchen!
Volunteers....l-r,f-b Gail Roberts, Madeleine Bernaiche, Cathy Mains. Cathy and Gail are ServSafe certified!
Volunteer Spotlight: Cathy Mains
How long have you been with CWCO? 1 Year.
What inspired you to become a volunteer with CWCO? So I could give back to the pantry since they have helped me many times.
How has the new building and kitchen improved your work or experience? We can now cook in a bigger kitchen. Gail and I created our meals in our small kitchen.
The Power of Community Collaboration
The first step in launching a new chapter in CWCO’s 18-year history was the development of a three-year Strategic Plan, completed in October 2025. More than a roadmap for growth and sustainability, the plan is a call to action—a vision for what becomes possible when people come together to serve neighbors facing hardships that could touch any of our lives. Bringing that vision to life will take many hands, many hearts, and a shared commitment to the dignity of every person we serve.