Bridges® by Epoch at Trumbull Provides Lunches for Bridgeport Students

TRUMBULL, Mass. – June, 2024 - When Kolbe Cathedral High School students had nowhere else to turn, Gary Seri, Dining Service Director at Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull, answered the call.

The 37 students were set to start their internships with the Marian Work Study Program, a local nonprofit initiative that provides internships and scholarships to Connecticut high school students, when they discovered the budget did not cover lunch.

“Being a mom, I couldn’t imagine sending these kids out all day without lunch,’’ said Melanie McDermott, Executive Director, Marian Work Study Corporation. “I must have asked 30 people to help, and no one could do it. Then I met Gary at a networking event at Bridges, and he volunteered to provide the lunches without hesitation. He said, “This is who we are.’’

On May 22, Seri and Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull were honored at a graduation ceremony at Bridges held for the students who completed the program. The students all attend Kolbe Cathedral, a small, private, Catholic college preparatory school located in Bridgeport. Through the Marian Work Study program, they are placed in internships where they get hands-on experience in a variety of fields.

Seri said that the donation was in keeping with Epoch’s tradition of community involvement.

“At Bridges we are proud to be an integral part of the communities we serve,’’ he said. “We were more than happy to help Marian Work Study and the students at Kolbe Cathedral. We congratulate them on completing their internships.”

McDermott said that she was surprised at Bridges’ generosity on the first day she arrived to pick up the lunches. “Bridges donated fresh-cooked meats, rolls, toppings, condiments, Ziploc bags, boxes of fresh fruit, tons of snacks and water bottles and they did this every week for an entire year. A huge thank you to Bridges by Epoch’s Executive Director, Trish Keaney, Chef Gary Seri, and their entire team for all they did to ensure our students didn’t go hungry.”

About EPOCH Senior Living

Waltham-based EPOCH Senior Living has been a leader in New England senior living since 1997. Known for delivering outstanding experiences and purpose-built properties, the organization currently operates 11 Bridges® by EPOCH communities and five Waterstone Senior Living communities throughout the Northeast. EPOCH is committed to providing premier residences, high-touch services and wellness opportunities that enable seniors to enjoy comfortable, healthy and dignified lifestyles in gracious settings. Bridges® by EPOCH is New England's largest stand-alone memory care assisted living provider.