The Better Day Café (good food that does great things) will open this summer at the Newtown Community Center, thanks to efforts of Center Director Matt Ariniello and the Newtown Public Schools Transition Program.

Students ages 18-21 in the transition program will staff the café and receive a work experience of operating a food business. The work will help them foster a meaningful connection to their community, a press release states.

Students in the program helped select the café’s new name and logo. They will run the café during school hours and be in charge of all business aspects. The Community Center received nearly $21,000 from generous donors to begin this endeavor, according to the release.

“We are proud to host this new venture in partnership with [Newtown schools], which will enrich the lives of their students as they transition from school to career,” said Mr Ariniello. “Our mission is to bring people together and cultivate a community environment that is inviting and inclusive.”

Noel Loveland, transition coordinator, said, “Matt approached us with this opportunity to expand our program to the Community Center and enhance the skills students will receive. We believe every person is capable of doing great things.”

Superintendent of Schools Lorrie Rodrigue said, “Newtown Public Schools is excited to engage in an educational partnership with the Newtown Community Center. Students in our Special Education transition program will learn valuable business skills running the Better Day Café, which will offer prepared menu items for patrons.”

She said, “Developing a menu and preparing food items will allow students to gain responsibility and a sense of confidence. We are looking forward to this new opportunity for our students and staff.”

First Selectman Dan Rosenthal is “very pleased with the creation of the Better Day Café in the Community Center. Using the space to create opportunities for the young men and women from the Newtown Public Schools Transitions Program is the meaning of community, and I look forward to many lunches at the Café with friends and colleagues. My sincere thanks to all those who worked hard to make this possible and especially to the donors for the generous funds that made this a reality.”

The Café will be open to all visitors at Fairfield Hills “to come in and enjoy something light to eat and drink while supporting a great cause and enjoying the space the center offers” said Mr Ariniello.

Learn more about the community center at newtowncommunitycenter.org.