Meeting people where they are—
no judgment, just joy.

For nearly 6 decades, Sister Mary Lanning and Yes!Solutions created community and belonging, serving hot, fresh meals “wherever home is”, street-side in communities in Harlem.

Composition Family Services, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization located in the Capital District of New York. For the past several years, CFS Inc. has coordinated meals on a street corner in NYC for Thanksgiving. Since 2021, we have raised and donated back to the community over $75,000 for 2,000+ meals, 1000+ personal hygiene kits, and pharmacy/café gift cards, including distributing warm clothing items when available. CFS Inc. is a person-to-person, grassroots organization, founded by Jessica Dillon, LCSWR, that continues the work and tradition of Sister Mary Lanning and Yes!Solutions, the original host of the StreetCorner Gourmets.

Inspired by Sis. Mary, CFS, Inc. creates a community party each year on Thanksgiving.  Gathering in the early morning hours on Thanksgiving, our crew sets up and prepares a feast on a humble corner.  Our volunteers are paired up with a guest, think “community”, and will personally assist each person in making their way through the line of delicious offerings.  Crafted by school children and generous donors, our menu includes seasonal sandwiches, wraps, sweet potatoes, apple stuffing, fresh fruit, pie, homemade desserts, hot beverages and bottled water.  Guests also receive gift cards for pharmacy and café use, ensuring that each guest is able to make a choice for personal items, purchase a beverage of choice, and obtain use of a clean restroom.  A handmade card with words of hope, generosity and encouragement are tucked into each bag.  Donations of clean, gently used hats, gloves and blankets are welcome, and distributed during this event.  Our community party is filled with friendly banter, laughter, and a togetherness.  Come join us!  We love to see your smiling faces.

Donate

When you donate, you are doing more than providing food or supplies—you are offering dignity, comfort, and hope to someone who needs to be reminded that they are not alone. Your generosity helps us keep supplies coming, the meals warm, and our community strong. With your support, we can continue to stand alongside our neighbors through hardship and celebrate with them in joy.

Donate

Volunteer

By volunteering, you become part of the heartbeat of CFS—sharing meals, lending a listening ear, and showing up for those who might otherwise be unseen. Each hour you give ripples outward, strengthening bonds and reminding us all that we belong to one another. We invite you to join us, bring your gifts, and walk with us in service.

StreetCorner Gourmets
A Thanksgiving Tradition

Every Thanksgiving, CFS hosts a street-side community party in NYC, preparing and serving warm, nourishing meals on a humble Harlem corner. Each guest is paired with a volunteer and treated with dignity, care, and joy.

The menu—crafted by schoolchildren and generous donors—includes:

  • Seasonal sandwiches & wraps

  • Sweet potatoes, apple stuffing, fresh fruit

  • Homemade desserts & pie

  • Hot drinks, bottled water, and a hand-written card of encouragement

Guests also receive gift cards for a warm beverage or personal purchase, and, when available, hats, gloves, and blankets. The result? A celebration filled with warmth, laughter, and genuine connection.