C A S E S T U D Y
Strategic Vision at The Community Table
How partnerships and creative programs expanded access and fostered connection in Rockbridge County.
Nonprofit Strategic Planning
The Community Table
communitytablerockbridge.org
The Challenge: Bridging Gaps in Connection and Access
While TCT’s Monday night dinners were a cornerstone of its mission, gaps in access to services—especially for rural and underserved community members—left unmet needs. At the same time, there was a disconnect between the local university and the surrounding community, limiting opportunities for collaboration and understanding.
The task was to address these challenges by building stronger partnerships, expanding meal programs, and ensuring that all decisions were shaped by deep listening to those we served.
The Approach: Building Bridges and Expanding Reach
1. Creating Collaborative Partnerships
One of the most rewarding initiatives was establishing a partnership with Washington and Lee University’s Office of Community-Based Learning and the Campus Kitchen at W&L. Through this collaboration:
Student Leadership Opportunities: Local college students joined TCT’s board, bringing fresh ideas and energy to the organization.
Breaking Barriers: Students formed genuine connections with community members, fostering trust and mutual respect. As one observer noted, these partnerships “built a bridge between two worlds,” strengthening ties between the university and the community.
2. Expanding Access Through New Programs
Recognizing unmet needs, we introduced two new meal programs in partnership with Campus Kitchen:
Midweek Hot Lunches: Prepared by student volunteers and served at TCT, these lunches provided meals during the week when TCT lacked a chef, filling a critical gap in service.
Frozen Meal Fridays: A takeout program serving rural areas of the county, this initiative brought meals to individuals and families who struggled to access in-person services.
These programs met people where they were—whether in rural areas or during a busy midweek—ensuring more community members could benefit from TCT’s mission.
3. Listening and Responding to Community Needs
At the heart of TCT’s work was a commitment to deep listening. Through surveys, in-person conversations, and partnerships with local organizations, we identified and addressed key challenges:
Drive-Through Adjustments: Adapted services to accommodate individuals with limited resources, such as ensuring cars didn’t idle unnecessarily during meal pickups.
Proactive Partnerships: Strengthened relationships with a local women’s shelter by coordinating meal deliveries, reducing waste, and meeting specific needs.
These efforts reinforced TCT’s reputation as a responsive and reliable resource, building trust with both partners and the people we served.
Conclusion: A Table for Everyone
Under this strategic vision, The Community Table of Rockbridge not only grew its capacity to serve but also became a stronger bridge between neighbors, students, and organizations. By listening, adapting, and collaborating, TCT created a model of service that reflects the heart of its mission: ensuring that everyone has a place at the table.
Results
By combining creative programming, authentic relationships, and thoughtful collaboration, TCT expanded its reach and deepened its connection to the community:
Increased Food Access: The new meal programs became staples of TCT’s offerings, providing consistent support to underserved individuals and families.
Fostering Belonging: Strengthened community ties through partnerships and inclusive initiatives, ensuring that all participants felt welcome and valued.
Sustainable Growth: Established collaboration and service delivery frameworks that continue to guide TCT’s impact.