Our Story
For the last 40 years, Community Table’s mission continues to be “a community in which people have access to food and resources to foster self-sufficiency”.
Learn more about who we are.
Testimonials & Videos
Our Story
Founded in 1982 by concerned citizens, the Arvada Food Bank began distributing food to hungry families from a small house. Thanks to our volunteers and supporters, we’re now the Community Table, and we’ve grown in size and scope to be one of the largest emergency food assistance providers in the metro Denver area.
We now serve neighbors in need across the northern Denver metro area, including Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Golden, Westminster, Thornton, North Denver, Federal Heights and surrounding communities. Our dedicated staff and hundreds of volunteers work together to feed and provide support and resources for thousands of struggling families.
Food. Help. Hope.
Providing food is still our core mission, but our support for those in need now extends far beyond. In 2014, we added a “hand up” to our mission by adding assistance programs and resources struggling families need to lift themselves out of poverty—including emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities, public benefits application assistance, a client computer room and more. In 2019, we began hosting shower services for people experiencing homelessness, and we opened an onsite health clinic for underinsured and uninsured adults. Most recently, we’ve added laundry and dental services and even cooking programs for those on a budget.
With your continued support, we know we can do even more to help our neighbors in need.
Staff
Sandy Martin
President and Chief Executive Officer
Sandy was appointed the President and Chief Executive Officer of Community Table in June 2013. She has over 30 years of experience in nonprofit and governmental human services management.
Rocky Baldassare
Director of Food Programs
Promoted to Director of Food Programs in 2020, Rocky graduated from Colorado School of Mines in May of 2014 with a degree in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering.
Leanne Cadman, CFRE
Director of Communication and Resource Development
After more than 18 years with the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, Leanne joined Community Table in July 2018 as Director of Development.
Shannon MacDonald
Interim Manager of Assistance Programs
Shannon began volunteering at Community Table in October 2019 after retiring from the insurance industry with 27 years of service. During her insurance career, she volunteered at many organizations. In the fall of 2021, Shannon put her years of volunteer experience to work when she transitioned to the position of Volunteer Coordinator.
James Normandin
Manager of Food and Safety
James joined Community Table in 2019 as a contractor to assist with pandemic-related safety procedures. He became a full-time staff member in October 2020. James currently serves as Manager of Food and Safety, overseeing our Feeding the Future and volunteer safety programs.
Bernadette Velasquez
Administrative Assistant
Bernadette has an Associate’s degree in Legal Office Management, graduated with honors Summa Magna Cum Laude from Denver Business College, and also has a TESOL Certificate from the University of Colorado Denver.
News
Making Better Connections
We’re partnering with Food Bank of the Rockies and joining other hunger-relief organizations in Colorado that use Link2Feed to help families get the food and resources they need quicker, easier
March is National Celery Month
Arvada was once known as the Celery Capital of the World! Celery is eaten around the world as a vegetable. It’s related to carrots, fennel and parsley and can be
Hunger and Mental Health
Being hungry during the pandemic had more impact on mental health than losing a job. It’s no surprise that hunger can lead to anxiety, depression and stress. But several recent
February is National Canned Food Month
Thank Napoleon next time you open a can of food. In 1795, Napoleon offered a prize of 12,000 francs to improve the food preservation methods that existed at the time.
Feeding the Golden Years
In Colorado, 7.5% of older adults face hunger, forcing them to choose between purchasing groceries or paying other expenses. After a lifetime of working, many older adults who looked forward
January is National Hot Tea Month
Next time you enjoy a cup of hot tea, you can thank the wind and a Chinese emperor. Have you ever wondered who the first person to put leaves in
Good work - Good Stewardship
We value total transparency and accountability. Please use the links below to review our most recent financial information, annual report and other documents of interest. Questions about our financial reports can be directed to Sandy Martin, CEO, at smartin@cotable.org.
If you have any questions or other needs, please email us at: info@cotable.org. Read our Donor Privacy Policy.
