Our Mission
Our mission is to be a community hub pioneering support for A.L.I.C.E. (Asset. Limited. Income. Constrained. Employed.) senior and veteran populations. The Bodega offers a unique freedom to shop and select basic needs items free of charge in a warm and friendly environment.
”We are People helping people”- The Bodega operates with no government funding, our doors stay open and our shelves stocked from donations given by our supporters!
Set up like a store, the Bodega offers hard working people who are struggling, a place to “shop” for basic needs items free of charge. Our target population is the A.L.I.C.E (Asset limited, income constrained, employed) population, the people working hard but not making enough to get by, while simultaneously making to much to receive any government assistance.
Government programs are essential to functioning and are a needed resource in any community, however, Benny’s Bodega seeks to offer an alternative solution to the on-going issue of families not having their basic needs met . The concept behind the Bodega, was to not only be a support for struggling families but also bring the community together. If we, as families and as a community, can donate essential supplies and support one another, then not only are we teaching our youth about empathy, we are building each other up and strengthening our own community. Simply, our goal – ensure families have their essential needs met, while fostering a positive message to our youth and bring our community together.
Benny’s Bodega is comprised of community members and a stable of volunteers, that work collaboratively to operate our Bodega and keep it functioning 5 days a week. Our hours are designed too help those who are employed or who may have a different weekly schedule. Our “hand-up” philosophy removes the stigma attached to receiving free services and our name itself suggest one is purely “shopping” for their everyday household products. As we continues to grow and build partnerships in the community, it is our hope we are able to expand into other counties and establish Bodegas in every community.
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Benjamin Davey, LCSW
Executive Director