Social Services

Social Services is  accessible by phone, video conference, by appointment or walk in.  We ask that you try to reach us by phone or email first.

The TOWN HALL FOOD PANTRY remains closed to both food donations and shopping, but we are always open to help in alternate ways. During 2020-23 Social services distributed over $350k in grocery gift cards to Ridgefield residents.  Over these past years we found that our consumers very much appreciate the ability to choose their own healthy and fresh food options using grocery gift cards. 

Those who experience food insecurity should contact Ridgefield Social Services to find out how to get help accessing food.

Offering gift cards also has reduced food waste and reduced the need for our clients, volunteers and donors to come into town hall; therefore reducing the risk for everyone.  Please help continue to support the Ridgefield Food Pantry by donating online or mailing a donation.  As always we are very thankful for Ridgefield's generosity.

You can donate to the Ridgefield Emergency Fund/Food Pantry by clicking here.

You can mail checks/cards to us at Town Hall  "Emergency Fund" or donate online here: https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/a0706d47-8502-4274-9b41-e2d8c3...

Please do not come to Town Hall to drop off or pickup donations without an appointment.  We have transitioned to a "food card pantry" and are distributing grocery gift cards instead of non-perishable food items.  Please contact us if you are part of a community group that would like to partner with the food pantry for a food/fund drive so we can discuss how to best meet your needs.

Click here for more ways to help donate to the Emergency Fund, Ridgefield Responds or other ways to help your neighbors: https://bit.ly/2JKz5FK

Click here to view our digital Social Services COVID resource guide. 

Contact Karen Gaudian at [email protected] for an appointment at Town Hall.  Phone: 203-431-2754

Contact Tony Phillips, LCSW at [email protected].  Phone: 203-807-4524  (Tony will be out on an extended leave starting 9/22/2022 for an estimated 4+ weeks.  In his absence please contact Karen Gaudian.)

Mental health resources, click here: https://bit.ly/2V2G4Ah 

About Us

A wide array of Community Social work services are offered to Ridgefield residents through the Department. Services are provided to families and adults by the Director, who is also the Agent for the Disabled and the Town's federally mandated Americans With Disabilities Act Coordinator. Services specifically for senior citizens are provided by the Municipal Agent for the Elderly.

Department members are always available to provide information and referral services to Ridgefield residents as well as to assist them in applying for local, State and Federal benefit programs for which they may qualify.

If you would like to contribute to help local residents with financial insecurity, please go to our fund page. Thank you for your generosity and kindess!

Programs & Services

Staff Contacts

Name Title Phone
Karen Gaudian Municipal Agent For the Elderly & Department Administrator (203) 431-2754
Tony Phillips
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