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Monday 9am - 3pm Tuesday 9am - 3pm Wednesday 9am - 3pm Thursday 9am - 3pm Friday 9am - 12pm

Darien Community Association (DCA)

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Darien Community Association (DCA)

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Bringing our community together through programs, private events, the Bird Sanctuary and Nature Trail, and the DCA Thrift Shop. Join us!

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 — last year to over 50 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 — and the DCA Blue Notes, our volunteer singing group that enjoys performing at senior residences and other venues. 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. Proceeds from donations and income from DCA programs, house rentals and the DCA Thrift Shop, support our philanthropy, including scholarships for Darien High School graduates. Contact us by phone (203) 655-9050 or email to [email protected], or stop by the DCA Meadowlands at 274 Middlesex Road, Darien.

11/01/2026

Meet the 2026-27 DCA Youth Leadership Board!

Now in its second year, the DCA Youth Leadership Board brings together 14 Darien High School students who are passionate about making a difference in our community. Through fundraising, community events and sustainability initiatives, these young leaders support the DCA Scholarship Program and our mission.

We're delighted to welcome our newest members and especially proud that every member from our inaugural board returned for another year! We can't wait to see what Addie, Ainsley, Anden, Ally, Chikamso, Claire, Grace, Kaitlyn, Maddie, Maya, Mianna, Sadie, Sophia, and Will accomplish together.

Follow us on Instagram and to see more news and updates!

10/07/2026

Welcome to the Board! Thank you for sharing Darien, CT Patch.

The board features several new members.

10/04/2026

Please join us in welcoming our newest board members and congratulating this year’s Executive Committee. Each brings deep ties to Darien, a strong commitment to volunteer service, and a shared belief in the importance of a thriving, connected community. We’re grateful to the volunteers, members and donors who make all that we do possible.

Sue Kunze (President), Liane Hamilton (Vice President), Patty Cunningham (Secretary), Jim Hutter* (Treasurer), Erin Noonan (Director), Jessie Merrill Glazer*, Meaghan Hetherington*, John Hess, Erica Higgins*, Fiona Leonard, Deirdre McGovern, Suzanne Mulliken, Jackie Nevin*, Stephanie O’Malley*, John Ruddy, Jennifer Sommer*

* new board members

Photo: Bambi Riegel

10/02/2026

Thank you for supporting our free events through your donations, participation and partnership!

Community for all.

Sign up on our website. We can’t wait to see you!

09/10/2026

The DCA Thrift Shop is entering an exciting new chapter, and we’re looking for an energetic, experienced and collaborative leader to help shape what comes next!

DCA Thrift Shop Manager - Full-time

Founded in 1931, the Shop is a beloved community resource and, there’s tremendous momentum behind us. We’ve partnered with Harvard Business School, refreshed our spaces, welcomed new volunteers and been featured on Lara Spencer’s That Thrifting Show.

Now, we’re ready for what’s next.

We’re looking for a high-energy, hands-on retail leader who loves all things thrift style, knows retail and thrives on collaboration. This is an opportunity to lead, improve and grow a community institution with plenty of room to bring your ideas to the table.

And the location? Right in the heart of Darien on Post Road, with incredible visibility and a loyal customer base. If you’re ambitious, collaborative and ready for your next move, we want to hear from you!

You can find the job description on our website. Apply with your resume and cover letter at [email protected].

And a heartfelt thank you to Deb Danile. After nearly six years of dedicated service, Deb is moving on to her next adventure. We are so grateful for her leadership, energy, creativity and commitment to the Shop and our community. We will miss her very much and wish her all the best!

05/14/2026

Have you ordered your flat of flowers yet? Don't miss out on ordering a burst of color for your garden.

Last day to order is May 19 at 12PM. And pickup is May 28 at the DCA Greenhouse.

Support the DCA by purchasing flats of impatiens, petunias, marigolds, vinca roses, alyssum, salvia, and snapdragons. There are 32 plants per flat, all sourced from a local grower. Each flat costs $26.

Visit our website to order soon!

Address

274 Middlesex Road
Darien, CT
06820

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 3pm
Tuesday	9am - 3pm
Wednesday	9am - 3pm
Thursday	9am - 3pm
Friday	9am - 12pm

Telephone

+12036559050

Website

http://www.dariendca.org/

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