The DCA is a privately-funded nonprofit that does not receive any financial support from the Town of Darien. Since our founding in 1923, we’ve been making our community a nicer place to live, by providing people of all ages a place to gather, give and learn for the last 100 years. Learn 100 Things to Love About the DCA.
MISSION
At the DCA, we enrich our community in a welcoming, historic setting for lifelong learning, philanthropy, and enjoyment.
We do this in four distinct ways:
- Activities: We offer a wide range of programs, classes and groups — both in-person and virtually, and attended pre-COVID by 1500 participants each month.
- Philanthropy: As the largest provider of college scholarships to Darien High School graduates, we award at least $50,000 each year — this year to nearly 40 students. Our philanthropy also includes our nearly four acre DCA Bird Sanctuary and Nature Trail, our contribution to open space in Darien, available for the public to enjoy.
- DCA Thrift Shop: We own and operate the DCA Thrift Shop on the Post Road, providing a much-needed community service. 1000 customers purchase items each month — and the shop is staffed by enthusiastic volunteers under the supervision of a paid manager.
- Beautiful Venue: We offer our historic home and garden to rent for your own private or corporate event — whether it is a wedding, birthday celebration, nonprofit fundraiser, or corporate meeting.
HISTORY
On August 2, 1923, 20 community-minded women met at what was then Royle School, to organize what they called the Darien Improvement Association. They continued to meet at members’ homes and their stated objective was to “keep the town neat, especially the public highways,” and “obtain receptacles for rubbage.” They soon expanded to influence the care of trees and the railroad embankment, to work for the home delivery of mail, to support the town library, and to take a strong interest in the public schools. During these years, the first interest of the DCA was helping where there was a need. This philanthropic commitment continues today, as we celebrate more than 75 years of providing college scholarships to Darien High School graduates. In 1929, the Darien Improvement Association was incorporated, and two years later, the organization formally changed its name to the Darien Community Association, Inc.
The DCA Thrift Shop was founded in October 1931 to supply local women much-needed employment during the Depression: washing and mending donated clothing, and repairing household articles, to be sold at very low prices. Today, over 50 volunteers run the Thrift Shop, located at 996 Post Road. Meadowlands, our historic home and property on Middlesex Road, was purchased in 1950. It was originally built as a Victorian, but was redesigned to its current Regency style in 1933 by its fifth owner.
From another era
Over the last 100 years, the DCA has been guided by 40 different volunteer Presidents, whose wisdom and foresight has proven invaluable.
Learn more about our history and impact on the community over the last century in our 100 Things to Love About the DCA.
CAREERS
The DCA has been enriching the Darien community for 100 years with thought-provoking programs, lectures and classes, philanthropy including scholarships for Darien High School graduates, our volunteer-staffed DCA Thrift Shop on the Post Road, and by providing a beautiful setting for private parties and special events. Working at the DCA provides the opportunity for enthusiastic and community-minded individuals to support this vital mission, in a small office setting within a lovely historic estate, set on eight acres of property.
DCA Thrift Shop Internship
In today’s economy, thrift shop businesses are thriving and seeing significant growth potential. Shoppers find really amazing things, new or used, that do not break the bank and are not filling up landfills. Thrift shopping is an adventurous experience, it’s never the same thing twice, and customers enjoy the thrill of the hunt. You can’t find this in traditional retail shopping. After a year of closet purging, the second-hand market has seen a huge influx of ‘good as new’ garments, sweetening the thrill and discovery of thrifting.
The DCA Thrift Shop has been a mainstay on the Post Road for nearly 90 years, longer than any other shop in Darien. Proud of this heritage, the shop has recently undergone a renovation which has provided for more conducive experience for shoppers and volunteers alike. Volunteers play an essential role in the day to day shop activities, they process donations, stock the store, and assist clients and customers with their needs.
Within this thriving retail environment, the DCA is proud to offer internship opportunities.
This internship would offer you an opportunity to become familiar with foundational activities at the thrift shop, with the primary objective being to assign you a specific project that could be completed and make a tangible addition to your resume. Potential areas for intern assignment include:
1. Merchandise display, including window appearance
2. Donation curation and pricing
3. Social media, implement and manage Instagram, Facebook for shop
4. Communications – weekly newsletter, develop a customer database
5. On-line selling – enhance and extend existing eBay shop, research and develop new channels
This unpaid internship requires a commitment of 8 hours per week, timing flexible and would be based on-site at the thrift shop with remote work.
College students and graduates are invited to apply.
To apply for an interview, please send a resume and cover letter detailing the reasons for your interest to debra@dariendca.org.
If you are interested in community service but don’t have the time to commit to an internship, we are also always looking for volunteers for just 4 hours a week. Please email Deb Danile, Thrift Shop Manager, at debra@dariendca.org.
DCA BOARD
The 2022-2023 DCA Board of Directors is made up of a diverse group of hard working, committed volunteers. (Missing from the photo: Tom Igoe, Arpita Muchhal and Terrie Van de Graaf.)
Co-Presidents
Caroline Burke
Wanda Forlivio
Executive Vice President
Lisa Miller
Secretary
Sue Kunze
Finance Vice President/Treasurer
Deb Suckow
Program Vice President
Lisa Joyce
Property Vice President
Arpita Muchhal
Investment Chair
Jim Phillips
Nominating Chair
Sarah Ritchey
Directors at Large
Patricia Cunningham, Tom Igoe, Tracy Marra, Flora Smeaton, Terrie Van de Graaf, Liza Smith, Bert von Stuelpnagel
For more information on board membership, please contact Sarah Ritchey, Nominating Chair, through the DCA at info@dariendca.org or 203-655-9050 extension 10.
VOLUNTEERS
Since its inception in 1923, the DCA has relied on our hardworking volunteers, who enjoy contributing to our mission, and impacting the Darien community in a positive way. Over 100 volunteers support the many facets of our organization.
Below are some of our current volunteering opportunities:
DCA Thrift Shop
The DCA Thrift Shop is volunteer-run…and we can’t do it without you! You’ll be joining a vibrant community of volunteers who lend their time, dedication and passion to many different roles within our nonprofit organization. Volunteers help tidy clothing, price items, create in-store and window displays and sell to customers. To become a volunteer, please contact Caroline Burke at debra@dariendca.org.
DCA Bird Sanctuary
The DCA Bird Sanctuary committee is focused on the continued maintenance and upkeep of this unique community asset — nearly four acres of woodland, open to the public. This includes removing invasive plants, maintaining the trails, installing new native plantings, pruning/weeding, etc. There is no specific time commitment required to volunteer — the committee is thankful for a few hours of help when possible. Please contact the DCA at info@dariendca.org to help.
Greenhouse Group Plant Sale
The Greenhouse Group is always looking for volunteers to help with their May Plant Sale, their annual fundraiser for the DCA. The Plant Sale takes place on the Friday before Mother’s Day. Volunteering opportunities include helping to set up the event, working the sale, or breaking it down. Please contact the DCA at info@dariendca.org if you would like to help.
Activities, Programs and Groups
If you are interested in the planning and development of any of the activities, programs or groups listed on our website, please contact us at info@dariendca.org, and we’ll be happy to put you in touch with the appropriate person.