About Us

Brief History

The Waterville Area Soup Kitchen was founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in the summer of 2020, it was established to fill a gap left by the closure of the Sacred Heart Soup Kitchen. Initially, due to the pandemic and limited resources, we operated on a small scale. Volunteers met twice a week to prepare hot soup or stew and make a few dozen sandwiches. These were then distributed from personal vehicles at strategic locations around Waterville, ensuring a heart meal for anyone in need.

In the spring of 2022, we secured a physical location at 38 College Ave. and started welcoming guests inside to dine. Since that time, “The Lighthouse” has been serving lunch, featuring a hot entree with sides and desserts. A team of volunteers prepare and serve an average of over 300 hearty meals each day. Additionally, the Lighthouse offers breakfast, including cereal, toast, muffins, juice, and coffee.

133,696

Meals Served as of

September 30, 2024

(including nearly 6,000 served on the street between November 2020 and May 2022)

70

Volunteers

2.5

Years in Operation at the Lighthouse

Our All-Volunteer Organization

In addition to our Board of Directors (below), we have a dedicated team of about 70 volunteers who are essential to our operation. These volunteers include teams from local businesses and the faith community, each committing one day a week to assist with serving lunch. We also have individuals, ranging from young adults to seniors, who regularly contribute their time and effort.

There is no paid staff. Every role – from cooks and food preparers to those serving meals and pouring beverages, from table cleaners and spill handlers to dishwashers and floor sweepers – is filled by volunteers. Their collective effort is what makes our mission possible.

Volunteer cooking
Volunteer packaging spaghetti
Volunteers serving another volunteer
Volunteers

Board of Directors

Carla CaronCarla Caron
President

Austin SegelAustin Segel
Vice President

Gordon CheesmanGordon Cheesman
Treasurer

JoAnn LemireJoAnn Lemire
Secretary

Dean DolhamDean Dolham
Director

Audra WeiselAudra Weisel
Director

John PerryJohn Perry
Director

Angela LearyAngela Leary
Director

Anna HoldenerAnna Holdener
Director

Barbara PouliotBarbara Pouliot
Director

Marie McDonaldMarie McDonald
Emeritus

Paul McDonaldPaul McDonald
Emeritus

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