Darien Community Association
Located on nearly eight acres in the heart of town, the Darien Community Association is a privately-funded nonprofit organization. Since its founding in 1923, the association has made a positive impact on our community through offering educational and cultural opportunities, connection, sustainability and public green spaces. The DCA is an award-winning event venue for corporate events and weddings. Its members, partners, neighbors and over 100 volunteers give back to our community, participate in special programs and make a lasting impact through volunteer opportunities and scholarships to Darien High School students.
Erin Noonan
In announcing Erin’s appointment last August as executive director of the DCA, the board described Erin as a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in the development of business and brand strategies, digital and communication plans, and integrated campaigns for some of the world’s most recognized and most well-loved brands. Those brands included Nike, ESPN, American Express and Pepsi. She has brought her vision and experience to bear on revitalizing the DCA for a new era.
A long-time resident of Darien, Erin has been a tireless community volunteer, serving with local organizations including k Person to Person, OPUS, the Ox Ridge PTO, the RTM, and her local church preschool.

Summary: Erin Noonan on the history of the Darien Community Association

Erin Noonan, Executive Director of the Darien Community Association (DCA), offered an engaging and heartfelt presentation chronicling the DCA’s 100+ year history—and its evolving role as a cornerstone of community life in Darien.

The presentation marked the final DMA speaker of the season, capping a year of close collaboration between the two organizations. With 90 of DMA members now also members of the DCA, both groups underscored the deepening ties and mutual reinforcement of missions: fostering service, connection, and civic participation in Darien.

A Century of Service

Noonan opened her remarks with a stroll through a 2002 presentation originally created for the DMA, tracing DCA’s origins to 1923 as the Darien Improvement Association (DIA). Initially focused on beautifying public highways and organizing community Christmas trees, the group’s civic ambitions quickly expanded.

Through the decades, the DCA initiated numerous town firsts:

  • Opened the thrift shop in 1931 during the Great Depression
  • Launched the first story times at the library
  • Helped form the Darien Land Trust, the Depot youth center, and Weed Beach improvements
  • Sponsored milk programs, bridge lessons, health clinics, and vocational guidance
  • Pioneered local audiobooks for the blind in the 1960s
  • Built community gathering spaces, including the Garden Wing in 1966

In 1949, the DCA acquired the historic Meadowlands estate, which still serves as its headquarters.

Present-Day Impact

Now nearly two years into her tenure, Noonan has helped revitalize the DCA through expanded programs, strategic planning, and a complete renovation of the Meadowlands building—transformed into a showhouse thanks to local designers and a media partnership with Connecticut Cottages & Gardens.

The DCA currently hosts over 90 annual events, drawing more than 3,000 attendees and offering a wide array of programs—from Mardi Gras brunches to bee sanctuary demos. A key partner in town life, the DCA receives no funding from the Town or State, relying instead on:

  • Thrift shop sales
  • Membership dues
  • Event tickets
  • Private rentals
  • Donations to its annual appeal

Scholarships & Sustainability

One of the DCA’s proudest contributions is its scholarship program, which has awarded more than $2 million to over 1,400 students. In 2024 alone, the organization gave $75,000 to 39 recipients, including both graduating seniors and returning college students.

That effort is funded through donations from local businesses like Palmer’s and Ring’s End, and is administered by DCA volunteers—an operation described as “tedious but deeply rewarding.”

The thrift shop remains a major pillar of revenue and community engagement. Stocked by both passive (resident drop-offs) and active (estate sale sourcing) donations, it thrives thanks to a devoted team of 50+ volunteers. Women’s clothing, housewares, and small tech gadgets are top sellers. Paperbacks? Not so much.

Volunteerism & Membership Growth

Volunteers are, in Noonan’s words, the DCA’s “lifeblood.” Recruiting them remains a challenge in an era of dual-working-parent households, but once engaged, retention is high. Many find their way into volunteerism through events or thrift shop work and stay for the camaraderie and purpose.

That sense of connection has helped membership soar—doubling in one year and growing another 20% in the next. Noonan credited strategic storytelling, community partnerships, and visible impact for attracting new families and reengaging past members.

“Choose Community”

Noonan concluded with a quote from former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy: “Choose community.” Her message: in an age of disconnection, the DCA offers not just a place—but a purpose—for coming together.

“This is your building,” Noonan told the audience. “You’ve helped shape its history. And we’re inviting you to shape its future.”

Video Presentation