MAYVILLE, N.Y.:-- Local faith communities in collaboration with Chautauqua Tapestry and county government are expanding efforts to lift individuals in Chautauqua County out of poverty through an initiative called Open Table. The Open Table model was first introduced in Chautauqua County in 2011 and has impacted six local community members who have been served by tables started by local churches: Kidder Memorial United Methodist Church, Fluvanna Community Church, Gerry Free Methodist Church, Zion Covenant Church, Jamestown Free Methodist Church, Kiantone Congregational Church, Levant Wesleyan Church, Busti Church of God, Bemus Point United Methodist Church, and Christ First United Methodist Church.

“The Open Table brings the faith community and government together to support our community members,” said Patricia Brinkman, Director of the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene. “This strategic approach diminishes the deep effects of poverty that impact families and our community. The model ensures existing social and intellectual capital is brought to the table by community partners to build natural sustainable strengths with family members, one table at a time.”

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