Community Kitchen
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The Community Kitchen (formerly Soup Kitchen) was the Damiano Center's founding program, beginning in March 1982. This is currently the largest on-site meal program in Northeastern Minnesota, serving thirteen meals each week.
No questions are asked of the people who come for a meal, and everyone is welcome to eat until they are satisfied. In addition we make available day old bakery products for people to take home.​
Schedule: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, and Sun for:
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Continental breakfast 8:30 am – 9:30 am
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Lunch 11:30 am – 1 pm
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Dinner 5 pm – 6 pm (Fri, Sat, and Sun only)
For more information, contact:
Community Kitchen Manager
If you are trying to reach the kitchen, please call: 218-726-0500
Kids' Kitchen
Kids' Kitchen works to reduce childhood hunger and malnutrition by providing:
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Nutritious meals
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Nutrition education
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A nurturing and fun place for kids after school and in the summer
Kids' Kitchen was in started in response to a growing number of children coming to the Community Kitchen unaccompanied by an adult. We realized there was a major, unmet need in our neighborhood.
Kids' Kitchen is primarily about making sure that all children in our neighborhood have access to quality, healthy food, but it is so much more than that.
We emphasize nutrition education through the fun, hands-on experience of preparing food, and also offer organic gardening. Other activities involve art, physical activities, and other activities to honor the culture and heritage of the diverse children who come to Kids' Kitchen.
Summer Food Corps
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During the summer months, we offer youth employment training to teens, teaching them skills in gardening, food service, childcare, and building their leadership and STEM skills in the process. Watch the video at right to learn more.
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Please inquire with Ashley if you are interested in participating.
Kids' Kitchen Program Hours
Mon - Thu 3 pm - 6 pm
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* Meal is served at 5 pm
Come to the east (2nd Ave W) entrance of the Damiano Center and ring the doorbell.
For more information about Kids' Kitchen or the Summer Food Corps, contact:
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Children's Program Manager
Room 102 - 218-336-1033
Free Store
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Each year hundreds of thousands of articles of clothing and household goods are distributed to people in need. The Clothing Exchange opened in 1983, and was renamed the Free Store in 2018. It is primarily operated by volunteers from the community. All items are donated, and all are given away free of charge to those in need.
Program Hours
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 9 am - 3 pm
Sat 10 am - 2 pm
CLOSED Thu and Sun
Donations that we accept include:
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clothing
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shoes
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household goods of all sorts (bedding, kitchen wares, towels, etc.)
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small appliances that work (toasters, coffee makers, small microwaves)
We ask that you please bring items during our operating hours or call for an appointment. If you are conducting a clothing drive, or if you want to bring a large donation (more than a trunk load of items), please call ahead.
We do not accept:
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dirty or broken items
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beds, mattresses, or cribs
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car seats for children
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furniture
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large appliances (refrigerators, stoves)
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electronics (TVs, VCRs, computers, printers, any other computer peripherals, etc.)
Are donations tax deductible?
Your donations of clothing or other items are tax deductible. Please ask us for a receipt. We are not able to place a value on the goods that you have donated or provide you with an itemized list of your donations.
Donation Hours
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Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 9 am - 3 pm
Sat 10 am - 2 pm
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CLOSED Thu and Sun
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Donations are accepted in Room 210. Enter the building from the west side (the parking lot).
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Call 218-722-5247 with questions, or if you have a large donation.
Clothes That Work
This program provides work appropriate apparel for interviews and for people beginning a new job. Staff and volunteers guide customers to appropriate apparel for various types of positions. In addition to providing two outfits for job seekers or five outfits for those who already have a job, we also provide accessories, hygiene, and beauty products.
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Program Schedule
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Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 9 am - 3 pm; Room 207
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If you are seeking services, please bring photo ID. Once you have a job, bring proof of employment. Shoppers are eligible every six months.
For more information or questions,
contact Donna Verhel,
Clothes That Work Coordinator
Room 207 - 218-722-5247
Health Realization
Health Realization is a cognitive skills-based program that helps individuals manage stress and work through barriers. It is often considered an addiction recovery program or support group, and while it is effective for people with addictions, it can assist with a wide range of life issues. This is one of the few alternatives to twelve-step recovery programs in our area.
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Some of the issues that Health Realization can assist with include:
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Stress management
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Gaining a positive perspective
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Chemical dependency
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For more information, contact:
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Richard Howell
Meeting schedule:
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All are welcome: Wednesday at 7 pm in the Community Kitchen
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Women's meeting: Sunday at 7 pm in Room 205
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Men's meeting: Monday at NOON in Room 205
Community Services
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Community Services provides information and referrals. Our trained staff specialize in helping people with emergency needs. We serve about 2,500 people annually with a wide variety of services.
We offer connections to resources that can help in situations of:
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homelessness
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chemical dependency
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domestic abuse
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unemployment
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mental health issues
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Direct services provided include:
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hygiene items
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mailboxes for people who are homeless
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household items (with lease)
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bus tokens
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free telephone line
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gas vouchers/spend-down bus passes (please call and inquire about requirements)
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notary services (please call ahead)
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Please call or email Maria for information about requirements and availability of gas vouchers and bus passes.
Program Schedule
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Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri
9 am - 3 pm
For more information,
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Room 112
