The most important room in Connie Kleila’s home is the kitchen, because how significant the preparation and enjoyment of food are for her. “Growing up in an Italian-American family, food was our life. I never want to turn away anyone that needs a meal” she says.
A transplant from Long Island, New York, Connie volunteered in a soup kitchen for seven years before moving to South Florida – so she was already in the routine of serving her community through her cooking. When Connie found Boca Helping Hands in 2018, she immediately felt right at home in the kitchen.
Connie has since become a weekly Shift Lead, coming up with daily menus that usually consist of the fresh vegetables and proteins she can get her hands on. Part of the excitement for Connie is seeing what ingredients may be in the warehouse when she first arrives.
Since joining the BHH family, Connie has seen a noticeable increase in the demand for food. “When I started, we were cooking lunch for 150 people and now, we’re trying to cook for 300,” she said.
Connie feels fortunate to be able to serve her community in a way that is so personal to her. She finds the work with BHH to be filled with love and compassion - and extremely rewarding.
