Isaiah 61 Cafe plans breakfast to recognize local first responders

LACONIA — First responders often work hand in hand with staff and volunteers of Isaiah 61 Café, which provides meals and other amenities for people experiencing homelessness and those less fortunate. On Thursday, the nonprofit organization will be saying thanks with the inaugural First Responders Appreciation Breakfast.

“This is a truly a thank you and a way to show how appreciative we are of everything these first responders do,” said organizer Ray Boelig, who is also in charge of coordinating the regular breakfast program.

Invitations for the breakfast were sent to the Laconia Police and Fire departments, Belknap County government, Belknap County Sheriff’s Office, and hospital emergency services. He said first responders from Concord Hospital-Franklin will also be able to eat for free.

Boelig said he has worked for Isaiah Cafe for a little more than two years, and it has grown quite a bit during his time there. What started as a continental breakfast with occasional eggs has turned into a full breakfast, Monday through Friday. Each day at 9 a.m. the meal is served, followed by a hot lunch at noon.

This is an important service provided for residents in need of support, but Boelig said it comes with challenges, as some of those they serve have substance use issues or illnesses. This is where the first responders come in, who always assist with “no questions asked.”

“Some are homeless, some have addiction issues, there can be a lot of things going on with our friends from the street,” Boelig said. “When first responders are called, they come treat people with dignity and respect.”

Goelig said they have been fortunate to have excellent support from the community and volunteers in recent years.

Boelig said when an ambulance is needed, police and fire personnel will be at the scene. Whether it is to tend to the patient or manage traffic in the area, the officers, firefighters and EMTs are vital.

The appreciation breakfast will be served buffet-style, and similar to the breakfast offered at the cafe throughout the week. It will include an area where people can sit down and eat, while learning more about Isaiah 61 Café, and be able to mingle with staff of the nonprofit and fellow first responders.

For those who are on the run, there will be a “drive and go” to offer breakfast sandwiches, hash browns and coffee.

“It’s like our version of McDonald’s,” Boelig said. “The idea is that they can drive in, tell us what they want, and be on their way.”

Boelig said there is a large caboose in the middle of the parking lot that divides traffic, and first responders will be able to place an order, drive around a circle past the caboose, and come back to where they started to pick up their hot meal.

“It will be a good breakfast for them in a nice thank you bag,” Boelig said.

Being the first time the appreciation breakfast has been held, Goelig said it is difficult to gauge the response in advance. Organizers hope they will have 70 first responders swing in for a meal, but are prepared for more.

Laconia Fire Chief Tim Joubert said his department has a shift change at 6:30 a.m., so he hopes this will allow those both coming off and starting a shift a chance to get some food.

“We do go down there from time to time, and we really appreciate the fact that they are taking the time to have this breakfast for us,” Joubert said.

Isaiah 61 Café has been around since January 2018, when Dave and Dawn Longval bought the building at 100 New Salem St. According to the café’s website, Dawn was inspired by scripture, notably Isaiah 61:1-4 ,which calls to “rebuild, restore and renew.” This café not only provides meals, but also a location for showers, laundry, storage lockers, and a place to pray or simply rest.

Isaiah 61 Café offers Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, Bible trivia, various religious workshops and more. There are also plans to expand, following the recent purchase of an adjacent building.

The First Responders Appreciation Breakfast takes place from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23. For more information, log onto isaiah61cafe.org.