‘The Other Door’ in Viroqua hosts a free community dinner every Friday evening (WKBT)

VIROQUA, Wis. (WKBT) — The Other Door in Viroqua hosts a community dinner every Friday evening, aiming to provide positive social networking opportunities for adults seeking support.

Every Friday evening, Lynn Prestwood, a direct care staff member, and her partner Jim prepare a community meal using food donated by the Living Faith Food Pantry.

Organizers say the Friday dinners are about more than food—they create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages social interaction and mutual support. Lynn describes the environment as relaxed and flexible.

“Everyone can do what they want,” said Lynn. “There’s no set goals of what they have to do or have to say. It’s not a group. It’s just total relaxation, getting to know each other and eating together.”

The Other Door in Viroqua is a drop-in center organized by the Family & Children’s center in Viroqua. It offers a range of supportive services and provides games, art, and conversation for community members seeking company or a peaceful place to recharge.

The center is open Monday through Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., welcoming visitors with no appointment or insurance required and at no cost.

“We know that people struggle with mental health and substance use disorders and so The Other Door is a safe place for people to come who have challenges and want to overcome them, and be with like-minded people in our community,” said Mary Jacobson, Wisconsin Director of Programs at the Family and Children’s Center.

The Other Door will be closed on Thanksgiving, November 27th, but open on Friday, November 28th, for the free community dinner, offering a place for a meal following the Thanksgiving holiday.

Story originally aired on WKBT on November 21, 2025.