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 from our Volunteers
Video Stories
Community Testimonials
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.
What We Do
We strive to improve the quality of life for hungry families and children in our community. It is through unwavering support of the community that we have been able to provide food to those in need for more than four decades. At Community Table, putting food on the table is only the beginning. Now with expanded services to encourage self-sufficiency, Community Table’s Human Services program supports clients through education and linkage with the rich community resources available to them.
Our Vision
We will empower our community by providing the tools to lift people from poverty.
Our Values
- We are compassionate in all our relationships.
- We honor and respect the dignity of our clients.
- We demonstrate integrity in all matters.
- We are efficient stewards of all resources.
- We value innovation for continual improvement.
- We provide exemplary service to the community.
Nondiscrimination Policy
Community Table prohibits its staff, board members, volunteers, contractors, agents and anyone involved with operation of the Food Bank and related activities from any form of discrimination against persons served by the organization, applicants, employees or any other individuals with regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, or political beliefs.
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.
Kennedy Clark
Engagement Coordinator
Kennedy first came to Community Table as an intern in 2022 while wrapping up her degree in Community Health from Montana State University. In December 2022, Kennedy joined our staff as Community Engagement Coordinator and Interim Volunteer Coordinator.
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 Normandin joined Community Table in the winter of 2019 as an independent contractor, and became a full time staff member in October 2020. He currently serves as Manager of Food and Safety, directly overseeing our Feeding the Future program and volunteer safety program.
Kaylee Peterson
Child Waiting Attendant
Bobby Peterson
Communication and Resource Development Assistant
Bobby joined Community Table in May of 2022 as a Communication and Resource Development Assistant. He has an extensive background in nonprofit and corporate financial services, as well as years of volunteer experience. Currently, he splits his time between communication, resource development and food programs. When he’s not at work, Bobby is a freelance screenwriter with a comprehensive portfolio.
Kelly Walker
Accountant
Kelly has been Community Table’s Accountant since November 2022. She brings over 35 years of experience in multiple sectors, including engineering/transportation planning, public accounting, nonprofit organizations and real estate. Kelly has a BSBA in finance and accounting from the University of Denver (go Pioneers!). Previously, she was with Charlier Associates, a transportation planning company in Boulder, where she worked for 15 years.
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.
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.
