Senior Empowerment Seminars – Summary 5/18/2024
Meals on Wheels Delivers More Than Just Meals
Speaker: Sherry Nadwarny, Director of Development and Community Relations
Meals on Wheels Diablo Region | https://www.mowdiabloregion.org/
Overview – Meals on Wheels Diablo Region
12,000 people in the United States are turning 70 every day. The senior population is the fastest growing population in Contra Costa County. Only 3% of the philanthropic dollars support seniors. Isolation is equivalent to smoking 7 cigarettes a day. (This is quite alarming.) Falls are the leading cause of death from accidents among seniors.
Based on the above statistics and facts, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region derived a mission to enhance the lives of older adults by delivering healthy meals and providing an array of supportive services that empower seniors to live independently, safely, and with dignity.
MOWDR’s vision is to build a community where older adults are respected and supported as they lead purposeful, healthy, and happy lives.
Meals on Wheels Diablo Region is different from Meals on Wheels of Contra Costa. Donations going to Meals on Wheels of Contra Costa do not come to MOWDR. Keep that in mind if you would like to donate to MOWDR.
Meals on Wheels Diablo Region provides the following services to seniors in the community
- The primary function of Meals on Wheels is Delivering Meals. It delivers 7 meals once a week to seniors in need. Seniors just need to reach out to Meals on Wheels to indicate a need, the meal delivery service will be provided regardless of the financial situation.
- Breakfast Bag Program delivers 5 healthy breakfasts a week.
- Grocery Bag Program delivers fresh groceries twice a month. This is particularly important for seniors who do not have a transportation means and/or have mobility issues.
- Cultural Cuisine Program delivers 7 Latin American-inspired meals a week to provide cultural accommodation with familiar homey dishes.
- Cafés Program provides nutritious meals 5 days a week at local senior centers.
- Health and Wellness Program provides exercise classes and nutrition education for seniors.
- Fall Prevention Program sends volunteers to seniors’ homes to assess the home safety condition and provide modification assistance as well as provides classes on balancing to help minimize the chances of falling. This is super important as more than 90% of seniors’ falling happens at home.
- Friendly Visitors, Callers and Helpers Program provides calls, visits, and errand running for companionship.
- Case Management Program provides confidential assistance and guidance for help with social challenges.
- Outreach Program connects seniors from underserved community to services.
In the fiscal year 2022-23, the following services were provided in the community:
- 739,248 meals were delivered
- 5,901 grocery bags were delivered
- 5,776 friendly visits were made
- 3,633 friendly calls were made
- 496 friendly helpers provide their support services
- 419 homes were modified
Funding Sources in Fiscal Year 2022-23
MOWDR has an operating revenue of $5,083,735, 54% of which came from the government, 28% from individual donations, 13% from foundation grants and corporate donations, and 5% from events and other sources.
In Conclusion, Meals on Wheels is a non-profit organization that provides programs and services for seniors with the compassionate efforts of its volunteers. Visit its website for volunteer opportunities: https://www.mowdiabloregion.org/get-involved
