Posts by April Allford
Curbside Story: Never Met a Stranger
If ever there were a way to describe new Meals on Wheels of Hancock County client Matt, it would be “he has never met a stranger.”
That’s certainly the case for the volunteer drivers delivering and doing weekday well-checks for Matt each weekday.
“The people involved are just the best people,” he says. “They have a great sense of humor, and it’s just wonderful that they know me by my first name. The delivery folks are not strangers to me.”
In fact, Matt has formed many friendships with volunteers since starting deliveries in February after the urging of his neighbors. He enjoys when couples deliver so he has additional conversation with both.
“We always have a chit-chat about life, and especially my dogs (Yorkies),” Matt says. “The folks take time to meet and greet us. We chat, and they’re very conscientious about following up.”
Matt enrolled in the Meals on Wheels program after a car accident in January that left him homebound for several weeks. He blacked out while driving, totaling his truck that was nearly paid off and breaking his wrist.
He also had an accidental fall off the porch and neighbors helped put in a ramp to lessen his fall risk. Meals on Wheels was a much-needed resource as Matt healed from his injuries and remained safe at home.
“I was scared, and I took myself off the road in May. I like the deliveries because they’re balanced meals. And first of all let me say I’m not a cook. And I’m not going to be a cook,” he says. ”I like the main courses, just not the Brussels sprouts.”
The 80-year-old veteran, who served on nuclear-powered submarines in the Navy, also isn’t a fan of onions, a vegetable he had to pick as part of his childhood chores growing up in Long Island.
He prefers his green beans prepared without onions, something he says people hardly do on the East Coast, and his meals without the Brussels sprouts. And those are his only grievances.
Matt is mostly thankful for what the program has brought to his life and overall health and well-being.
“In February, I found out I have diabetes and high cholesterol, so I’m on an 1,800-calorie diet. I’m sure if I would have done Meals on Wheels starting back in 2019, I wouldn’t have those issues,” he says.
He credits Meals on Wheels of Hancock County for setting him on a healthy course while aging. “When you hear the name Meals on Wheels, you think you might know what it’s about, but do you really know what they can do for you?” he says. “I know what they did for me, and my life would be a whole lot better if I would have signed up earlier. The meals are very delicious and economical.”
United Way of Central Indiana Awards Meals on Wheels of Hancock County for Basic Needs
INDIANAPOLIS – United Way of Central Indiana has awarded $12.45 million to 60 Hoosier nonprofits, including Meals on Wheels of Hancock, to help meet the basic needs of our region’s most vulnerable neighbors.
United Way’s Basic Needs Fund is intended to address access to food, housing, health care and transportation. Funding also is granted to organizations proposing improvements to practices and policies that help eliminate barriers for people seeking services.
A committee of 17 people – United Way board members, staff and community volunteers – reviewed applications and selected the recipients and grant amounts, which range from $45,000 to $360,000. Organizations receiving funding are accredited with United Way of Central Indiana, and grants will be distributed over 18 months. All 60 nonprofits that applied received funding.
The funds will help more than 90,000 people in the region have access to essentials, said Sara VanSlambrook, United Way’s chief impact officer.
“These grants are important because they support community organizations that are meeting the most essential needs of our community, like food and housing and transportation and health,” she said.
Basic Needs Fund grantees for 2023-2024:
Alternatives Inc – $125,000
American Cancer Society – $45,000
At Your School, Inc. – $75,000
The Arc of Greater Boone County, Inc. – $100,000
Boone County Senior Services, Inc. – $90,000
Bosma Enterprises – $75,000
Boys & Girls Club of Boone County – $120,000
Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis – $275,000
Burmese American Community Institute – $210,000
Catholic Charities Indianapolis, Inc. – $325,000
CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions – $360,000
Community Alliance of the Far Eastside – $300,000
Concord Neighborhood Center – $275,000
Damien Center – $345,000
Edna Martin Christian Center – $345,000
Family Promise of Hendricks County – $125,000
Fathers and Families Center – $120,000
Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center – $150,000
Firefly Children & Family Alliance – $300,000
Flanner House of Indianapolis, Inc. – $345,000
Foster Success – $90,000
Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana – $325,000
Hawthorne Community Center – $300,000
Hendricks County Senior Services – $300,000
Horizon House, Inc. – $345,000
HVAF of Indiana, Inc. – $180,000
Indiana Legal Services, Inc. – $75,000
Indiana Youth Group – $225,000
Indianapolis Legal Aid Society – $180,000
Indianapolis Urban League – $275,000
John Boner Neighborhood Centers – $325,000
The Julian Center – $175,000
La Plaza, Inc. – $165,000
Little Red Door Cancer Agency – $225,000
Lutheran Child and Family Services – $325,000
Martin Center Sickle Cell Initiative – $100,000
Martin Luther King Community Center – $210,000
Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center – $300,000
Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana – $250,000
Meals on Wheels of Hancock County – $100,000
Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic – $90,000
New Hope of Indiana – $200,000
Noble, Inc. – $300,000
PrimeLife Enrichment – $75,000
Public Advocates in Community Re-Entry (PACE) – $165,000
Reach For Youth – $60,000
The Salvation Army Indiana – $300,000
Second Helpings – $360,000
Sheltering Wings – $210,000
Shepherd Community Center – $90,000
Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County – $250,000
Southeast Community Services – $225,000
St. Mary’s Early Childhood Center – $200,000
Stability First – $50,000
Tangram, Inc. – $250,000
TeenWorks, Inc. – $175,000
The Villages of Indiana, Inc. – $300,000
Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana – $300,000
WellSpring – $125,000
YMCA of Greater Indianapolis – $150,000
Great Lakes Ace Hardware Grand Opening Benefits Meals on Wheels
Great Lakes Ace Hardware Greenfield Celebrating
Grand Opening Weekend – Meals on Wheels of Hancock County Benefits
Greenfield, IN March 28, 2023 – Great Lakes Ace Greenfield is celebrating the recent opening of the store located at 1240 N. State St. with a special sale / fundraiser that benefits Meals on Wheels of Hancock County. The 3-day celebration is planned for Friday, March 31 – Sunday, April 2, 2023.
Customers who donate $5.00 to the Meals on Wheels of Hancock County will receive a 5-gallon paint bucket and the opportunity to save 20% on almost everything they purchase during the celebration. Complete details of the sale are available in store. This is an opportunity to stock up on everything you need for spring projects around the house or maybe something fun for your backyard oasis. 100% of the funds collected will go directly to the Meals on Wheels of Hancock County to support feeding those served by the program.
The official Chain Cutting ceremony held in conjunction with the Greenfield Chamber of Commerce and all who would like to participate will be Friday March 31, at 9 a.m. Refreshments will be served. David Townes, manager and his team will be there to Welcome everyone in to the new store.
Friday there will be experts from a number of vendors available to answer questions and talk about
what’s available. There will be a representative from Scotts present who will be giving away a Scotts 4- Step lawn program, the Milwaukee tool rep will be there to help find everything in the mega tool department. The local Ace Handyman Services team will be there, so if you are pressed for time or overwhelmed with projects they can discuss how they might help relieve your load.
There will be prize drawings and free stuff throughout the weekend. Visit every day for a chance to win a Trager or Weber grill, Milwaukee tools and more.
If one of your projects is updating your kitchen cabinets Friday at 10am there will be a hands on demo “Bring your Door to Our Door” hosted by an expert from Benjamin Moore paint from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Bring in a cabinet door and find out how best to freshen up the finish with Benjamin Moore Paint. All demo participants will be eligible to register to win a $150 room refresh package including what you need to get that next paint project going.
On Saturday April 1, there is more excitement and free stuff. The first 50 customers to visit with a dull knife will get one free knife sharpening. Bring in a dull kitchen knife and see how quick and easy it is with the Great Lakes Ace knife ReSharp program.
In the afternoon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m,, your helpful experts at Greenfield Great Lakes Ace will be holding an Outdoor Power demo. Just in time for those spring yard clean up chores customers will have a chance to experience the power and agility of the dreamed about, EGO, DeWalt or Milwaukee outdoor power tools.
For those shopping for their next backyard BBQ there will be grill demos all weekend. Sunday the expert from Big Green Egg will be showing the versatility and taste of food prepared on a Big Green Egg.
David and his team want to invite the entire neighborhood in to celebrate. “It is a pleasure to serve our neighbors in Greenfield as a neighbor, employer and trusted source for reliable advice assisting our customers get everything they need to complete their projects.” explains Townes.
Visit https://www.greatlakesace.com/events/great-lakes-ace-hardware-greenfield-in-grand-opening/ for more details. Great Lakes Ace Hardware operates 64 locations in neighborhoods in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. Offering helpful advice, personal service, nationally recognized brands and essential household services such as screen repair propane services and many other household services.
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Celebrate March for Meals 2023
Support our senior neighbors to extend their independence and health as they age.
On March 22, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 and established a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older. For 50 years, these critical programs – commonly referred to as Meals on Wheels – have delivered more than just nutritious meals to homebound seniors in virtually every community across the country. And, the dedicated staff and volunteers who deliver these meals each week provide a vital lifeline and connection to the community, which are sometimes all it takes to keep our senior neighbors at home, where they want to be.
Meals on Wheels programs have come together each March since 2002 to celebrate this proven collaboration of local community organizations, businesses, all levels of government and compassionate individuals to ensure that our seniors are not forgotten. By volunteering, donating or speaking out, you can ensure the seniors in your neighborhood can live more healthy, happy and independent lives at home, where they want to be.
How to Join the March!
- The 2023 Community Champions Week will be celebrated between March 20-24. During this time, local Meals on Wheels programs invite local, state and federal officials, local celebrities and other prominent community figures to safely deliver meals, speak out for seniors and raise awareness for the power of their work. Learn more.
- Celebrate Locally: Celebrations and opportunities will vary by location, so it’s best to reach out to your local Meals on Wheels program for details! On Friday, March 24, we will celebrate Community Champions Day with local First Responders, Mrs. Hancock County Amanda Westfall, and more. Find a local program near you.
- Learn More about Meals on Wheels! Our nation’s senior population is growing exponentially, outpacing the resources available to serve vulnerable older adults and putting their health and well-being in jeopardy. Meals on Wheels is a proven public-private partnership that effectively addresses the challenges of aging by promoting health and improving quality of life for at-risk seniors. By leveraging the existing Meals on Wheels network, we have the opportunity to not only keep seniors healthy and independent at home, where they want to be, but also save billions in tax dollars by keeping them out of more costly healthcare alternatives. Learn more.
- Support Meals on Wheels with a Donation. One of the most cost-efficient ways you can support Meals on Wheels is to donate to them via payroll deduction through your employer’s workplace giving program (Don’t have a program? Click here to have your employer contact our team.) You can also click here to donate via credit card on Meals on Wheels of Hancock County’s website now.
What’s in a Knock? from Meals on Wheels America on Vimeo.
Curbside Story: Flower Power
When Meals on Wheels of Hancock County volunteer Trish Mendez delivers to clients on her routes, her work with Random Acts of Flowers Indianapolis comes into play to brighten their days with bouquets.
One client with cancer, whose son died of COVID last spring, had been isolated and depressed.
A small bouquet made all the difference.
“She was really, really depressed,” Trish said. “That’s not something you just get over. She limits contact because of her compromised immunity and doesn’t come to the door. I thought by bringing her flowers, that could perk her up. I just try to do that every two or three weeks.”
Another client feeling especially isolated was extremely delighted to receive her surprise bouquet.
“She said, ‘I haven’t got flowers in so long,’” Trish said. “It made her so happy.”
Random Acts of Flowers’ mission is to improve the emotional health and well-being of individuals by delivering recycled flowers, encouragement, and personal moments of kindness. That mission inspired Trish to combine it with Meals on Wheels of Hancock County’s goal of preventing isolation and loneliness in the aging community.
“It’s just a cool thing,” Trish said. “It just shows you how something that is going to be thrown out can be used for happiness. It’s such a worthwhile charity.”
On days Trish isn’t delivering Random Acts of Flowers bouquets, she stops by a local supermarket that sells flowers to treat neighbors on her Meals on Wheels routes.
“I just pick up flower bouquets and split them up,” she said. “It’s just $10 bucks, so why not?”
Trish said it’s the surprise factor that really makes people’s days.
“Sometimes the surprise of getting something like that is all they need to cheer them up,” she said. “I just tell the ladies if you get the vases back to me, I’ll bring them back with flowers. It’s a full circle.”
Trish’s clients, especially those battling health issues and experiencing loneliness, have a whole different outlook on their day when receiving meal deliveries.
“Everybody is happy to see me,” Trish said. “Sometimes you’re the only person they see that day. It’s fun to say, ’Here’s your meal, and here’s your flowers.’”
The flower deliveries help Trish, too.
“Personally, I like that they are happy to see me,” she said. “My problem is there’s not enough time to volunteer. I’m busier now than when I worked, but that’s fine!”
Trish recently found that her flower deliveries were not only great pick-me-ups for Meals on Wheels’ clients, but also staff, including Packing Coordinator Michelle Elsbury.
“I gave Michelle flowers because she said something about her mom being sick,” Trish said. “She needed some happiness. And flowers do not cost that much.”
Funding Helps Meals on Wheels Anchor New Circle of Care Nonprofit Hub
American Rescue Plan Award Supports Synergistic Direct-service Collaboration
GREENFIELD, IN – Meals on Wheels of Hancock County has robust plans for the nearly $730,000 in American Rescue Plan funds recently designated to help local nonprofits post-COVID-19.
As part of a $15 million award provided to Hancock County through the American Rescue Plan grant, the near-quarter-of-a-million-dollar funding empowers Meals on Wheels to collaborate with the Hancock County Community Foundation. The social service nonprofits teamed up to create the Circle of Care nonprofit hub, whereas Meals on Wheels will hold the title to HCCF’s current property at 312 E. Main St., Greenfield, as the anchor organization starting in 2023.
Meals on Wheels was recently awarded the gift, valued at $550,000. at the HCCF’s annual gala in November. Executive Director Lynda Kosh graciously accepted alongside Board Chair Andy Turner, and serving board members and staff in attendance.
“I am full of heartfelt gratitude and overwhelmed with emotion as the Circle of Care vision begins to take shape in reality,” Kosh said. “It is an honor to have the work of Meals on Wheels, and our staff, board and army of volunteers to be recognized in this manner.”
Kosh said Meals on Wheels will provide leadership for other Hancock County social service nonprofits to be housed in the new Circle of Care center in 2023. Families United for Support and Encouragement (FUSE), Hancock County Children’s Choir, Hancock County Firefly, Hancock County Leaders in Navigating Knowledge, Healthy 365 and WorkOne will join the hub.
“We are well able and up for the task to work alongside our nonprofit partners to provide much-needed services and care to our families, friends and neighbors of Hancock County in a shared, inviting and collaborative location,” Kosh said.
Meals on Wheels of Hancock County, which moved to the 312 E. Main St. location at the end of summer 2022, will manage the Circle of Care collaboration. Immediate duties include renovating the building into an accessible, collaborative nonprofit center. Kosh said the hub allows for multiple direct-service providers to create nonprofit synergy. This helps shrink barriers and creates “transformational opportunities” for the Hancock County community in one convenient location, with accessibility for clients with disabilities.
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About Meals on Wheels of Hancock County
Meals on Wheels of Hancock County was established in 2001 in Greenfield, Ind., to meet the needs of local aging and at-risk communities. The nonprofit’s mission is to help the citizens of Hancock County maintain an independent lifestyle through the delivery of nutritious meals in accordance with prescribed dietary needs, and provide a point of personal contact with the community.
15th Annual Subaru Share the Love® Strives for $250 Million
This holiday season, Subaru of America, Inc. has launched a national advertising campaign in support of the 2022 Subaru Share the Love® Event, highlighting the causes that embody the Subaru Love Promise® – the Subaru vision to show love and respect to all people, and pets, at every interaction to make the world a better place, simply because it is the right thing to do.
This year, Subaru and its participating retailers are supporting four returning national charity partner beneficiaries, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®), Make-A-Wish®, Meals on Wheels America® and the National Park FoundationTM The creative spots will shine a light on each organization’s cause and how they make a difference.
The advertising spots will also showcase hometown charities that are hand-selected by Subaru retailers across the country that will also benefit from the Subaru Share the Love Event during its milestone 15th year. Subaru and its retailers are hopeful of being able to donate more than $250 million to these organizations, and the four national charity partners, by the end of this year’s event.
“The Subaru Share the Love Event is one of the most important times of the year for our retailers and by giving back in such a significant way, we demonstrate that Subaru is More Than a Car Company and our retailers are More Than a Car Dealer,” said Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Subaru of America, Inc. “It means so much to our retailers, and us at Subaru of America, to hear stories about the impact these funds have on so many different causes, people and pets across the country.”
The advertising spots were created by Subaru of America with agency partner Carmichael Lynch, and will run on national television, digital video, and social media platforms. Paid media partners include CNN, NBC, Hallmark Channel, Discovery+, Twitter, CBS News The Uplift, Amazon Streaming TV, YouTube, Hulu. Spanish-language translated versions of the :30 and :15 advertising spots will run on Univision, Telemundo, and Peacock.
The creative campaign brings to life the efforts made by each of the national charity partners and how these causes directly impact those they serve. Vignettes include:
Portraits of Love – For the past 15 years, Subaru and our retailers have been sharing the love with those who need it most. Subaru is the largest automotive donor to Make-A-Wish and Meals on Wheels. And the largest corporate donor to the ASPCA and the National Park Foundation. By the end of this year, Subaru and our retailers will have donated over $250 million to charity. When you get a new Subaru during the Subaru Share the Love Event, Subaru will donate $250 to the charity of your choice.
Love is Local – Subaru and our retailers are dedicated to giving back to our local communities. In fact, through the Subaru Share the Love Event, Subaru retailers have supported over 1,700 hometown charities. And by the end of this year, Subaru and our retailers will have donated over $250 million to charity. This is what makes Subaru retailers more than car dealers and Subaru More Than a Car Company.
Providing Meals, Meals on Wheels – Subaru and our retailers love seniors. That’s why Subaru is the largest automotive donor to Meals on Wheels. Through the Subaru Share the Love Event and other efforts we have delivered nearly 4 million meals.
These spots are available to view on the Subaru of America YouTube channel here: www.youtube.com/Subaru.
For any new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased at one of the more than 630 retailers from Thursday, November 17, 2022, through Tuesday, January 3, 2023, Subaru will donate $250 to the purchaser’s choice of charity*. Retailers can also add up to two local hometown charities to receive an additional $50 for each vehicle sold or leased. Additionally, 417 participating Subaru retailers will donate an additional $5 to their registered hometown charity partner for every routine Subaru vehicle service visit during the campaign period.
Since 2008, Subaru and its participating retailers have donated more than $227 million and supported over 1,700 hometown charities to help those in need through the Subaru Share the Love Event.
- To learn more, visit: www.subaru.com/share
- Follow Subaru on Facebook: www.facebook.com/subaruofamerica
- Join the conversation: www.twitter.com/subaru_usa #ShareTheLove
*Disclaimer: Subaru will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased from November 17, 2022, through January 3, 2023, to four national charities designated by the purchaser or lessee. Pre-approved Hometown Charities may be selected for donation depending on retailer participation. For every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased during the campaign period, participating retailers will donate a minimum of $50 in total to their registered Hometown Charities. Subaru will donate a total of $5 to their registered Hometown Charities for every Subaru vehicle routine service visit during the campaign period. A routine visit includes customer payment of $5 or greater, or any service that includes a genuine Subaru oil filter. Purchasers/lessees must make their charity designations by January 13, 2023. The four national charities will receive a guaranteed minimum donation of $250,000 each. See your local Subaru retailer for details or visit subaru.com/share. All donations made by Subaru of America, Inc.
Jiffy Lube Drive To Do More Benefits Meals on Wheels
HOUSTON, TX (Oct.1, 2022) – Today, Jiffy Lube, an industry leader in vehicle maintenance for more than 40 years, began a nationwide fundraising campaign benefiting Meals on Wheels America, an organization supporting community-based programs such as Meals on Wheels of Hancock County to address senior hunger, isolation and nutrition programs. The Jiffy Lube Drive To Do More campaign will raise funds to help provide nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks to seniors during the holiday season.
Jiffy Lube International, Inc. will jumpstart the donations with a corporate gift, with subsequent funds raised through customer donations during checkout at participating Jiffy Lube locations beginning October 1, 2022, through October 31, 2022.
“Jiffy Lube is honored to contribute to Meals on Wheels America’s mission of addressing senior hunger and isolation, especially in advance of the holiday season when the need can be even greater,” said Sara Smith, Chief Marketing Officer of Jiffy Lube International, Inc. “In addition to raising funds to help provide meals, we are committed to keeping Meals on Wheels volunteers on the road so they can continue to make a positive difference in their communities.”
“The holiday season can be difficult for homebound seniors. Harsh winter weather and busy schedules can leave some of our most vulnerable community members at an even greater risk of isolation, loneliness, and hunger,” said Kristine Templin, Chief Development Officer of Meals on Wheels America. “This fundraising campaign with Jiffy Lube comes at the perfect time, and all of the funds raised will help ensure our seniors receive the support they need.”
THE IMPACT OF DRIVE TO DO MORE
With more than 2,000 service centers across the U.S., Jiffy Lube and its franchisees have raised millions of dollars to help make a difference in the lives of others. With the launch of Drive To Do More in 2019, the brand extended its philanthropic efforts to provide support to volunteers who rely on their vehicles to give back in their communities. Additionally, Jiffy Lube franchisees are committed to numerous charitable causes in their local markets – ranging from education and health to youth development and food security. The national relationship expands both Meals on Wheels America and Jiffy Lube’s reach and ability to transform lives, have a more meaningful impact, and create a community of strength, hope, and resilience.
ABOUT JIFFY LUBE
Founded over 40 years ago, Jiffy Lube serves approximately 20 million customers each year at more than 2,000 franchised service centers across North America. Jiffy Lube pioneered the fast oil change industry in 1979 by establishing the first drive-through service bay, providing customers with fast, professional service for their vehicles. The company continues to lead the industry with the evolution of its business model, Jiffy Lube Multicare, which offers oil changes, brakes, batteries, and tires as well as other services consumers want and need. Headquartered in Houston, Jiffy Lube is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Shell USA, Inc. Visit JiffyLube.com to learn more about Jiffy Lube and vehicle care. About Meals on Wheels America Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. This network serves virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, education, research and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. All of the funds raised from the national campaign will go to Meals on Wheels America, which will distribute funds to local Member programs to meet the specific needs in their communities.
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United Way of Central Indiana Awards $8.3 Million for Basic Needs
UWCI Marketing / INDIANAPOLIS
United Way of Central Indiana announced it is awarding $8.3 million to 63 organizations to help them meet the basic needs of people and families across the region.
United Way’s Basic Needs Fund is designed to help our most vulnerable neighbors access food, housing, health care and transportation.
An 18-member committee of United Way board members, staff and community volunteers reviewed applications and selected the recipients, awarding grants ranging from $40,000 to $320,000.
“To achieve stability, people must first have their basic needs met,” said Mary Jones, United Way’s senior director of basic needs. “These funds support services that help people with life’s essentials.”
Organizations that received funding during this grant cycle serve people in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties.
One of the organizations awarded funding is Stability First, a transitional housing nonprofit in Morgan County. Executive Director Rick Miller said the funding will enhance the nonprofit’s ability to help those struggling to gain stability in their lives.
“With individual growth plans focusing on a wholistic approach, we strive to provide the help and hope that so many are desperately needing,” Miller said. “We are extremely grateful to partner with the United Way of Central Indiana to positively impact our community.”
2022-2023 Basic Needs Fund grantees:
Alternatives Inc – $100,000
American Cancer Society – $40,000
The Arc of Greater Boone County, Inc. – $50,000
Boone County Senior Services, Inc. – $60,000
Bosma Enterprises – $60,000
Boys & Girls Club of Boone County – $80,000
Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville – $60,000
Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis – $100,000
Burmese American Community Institute – $100,000
Catholic Charities Indianapolis, Inc. – $320,000
Christamore House, Inc. – $60,000
CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions – $225,000
Community Alliance of the Far Eastside – $200,000
Concord Neighborhood Center – $125,000
Damien Center – $225,000
Easterseals Crossroads – $225,000
Edna Martin Christian Center – $225,000
Family Promise of Hendricks County – $100,000
Fathers and Families Center – $100,000
Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center – $125,000
Firefly Children & Family Alliance – $320,000
Flanner House of Indianapolis, Inc. – $225,000
Foster Success – $60,000
Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana – $225,000
Hancock County Senior Services – $60,000
Hawthorne Community Center – $175,000
Hendricks County Senior Services – $150,000
Horizon House, Inc. – $200,000
HVAF of Indiana, Inc. – $80,000
Indiana Legal Services, Inc. – $80,000
Indiana Youth Group – $125,000
Indianapolis Legal Aid Society – $125,000
Indianapolis Urban League – $200,000
John Boner Neighborhood Centers – $225,000
The Julian Center – $100,000
La Plaza, Inc. – $150,000
Little Red Door Cancer Agency – $150,000
Lutheran Child and Family Services – $150,000
Martin Center Sickle Cell Initiative – $50,000
Martin Luther King Community Center – $175,000
Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center – $200,000
Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana – $175,000
Meals on Wheels of Hancock County – $50,000
Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic – $40,000
New Hope of Indiana – $80,000
Noble, Inc. – $225,000
PrimeLife Enrichment – $50,000
Public Advocates in Community Re-Entry (PACE) – $100,000
Reach For Youth – $60,000
The Salvation Army Indiana – $320,000
Second Helpings – $225,000
Sheltering Wings – $150,000
Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County – $100,000
Southeast Community Services – $125,000
St. Mary’s Early Childhood Center – $50,000
Stability First – $40,000
Sycamore Rehabilitation Services – $80,000
Tangram, Inc. – $150,000
TeenWorks, Inc. – $50,000
The Villages of Indiana, Inc. – $50,000
Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana – $225,000
WellSpring – $50,000
YMCA of Greater Indianapolis – $100,000
Curbside Story: Delivering Lifelines
Lifesaving. That’s how one Meals on Wheels of Hancock County client describes the impact our medically tailored deliveries have made on her since enrolling in the program this year.
“Arthritis has plagued my family for years, and now, in my 60s, I’m to the point where I can no longer drive or work,” she said. “And I cannot cook for myself.”
This client came to the Indy area 10 years ago to help care for her elderly parents. She also had a brother and sister who were ill. Over the years, she has worked as a certified nursing assistant, home health aide and companion caregiver. Her experience working with seniors in their homes informed her about the benefits of Meals on Wheels programs.
“I used to work with clients in their homes, and saw first-hand how much the meals helped,” she said. “The volunteers are so kind and wonderful, and I appreciate the calls, and we text when I might not be able to get to the phone right away.”
Chronic arthritis pain and a cancer diagnosis has made daily life a challenge. Arthritis makes it especially difficult to stand for any period of time. Her mobility is challenged on the daily, and fear of falling is a constant concern.
“I have arthritis in both of my ankles, both of my ankles, in both of my knees and hips. From my waist down, I don’t work very well,” she said. “I’m so afraid of falling because my knees lock up on me. I worry if I fall in the kitchen, I can’t pull myself up. I have a big fear of falling.”
Cooking even a small meal has been difficult. She often has cereal on hand since she said pouring a bowl is sometimes the easiest. Just to stand at the stove or kitchen sink can be hard. With this in mind, and knowing how much Meals on Wheels helped her former home healthcare clients, she gave Meals on Wheels of Hancock County a call.
“I just can’t stand at the stove to make something great. Every once and awhile I can,” she said.
Meals on Wheels weekday deliveries also help since she’s on a limited budget.
“I don’t make a lot of money in my retirement,” she said. “Meals on Wheels has been a lifesaver for me. I can get two meals a day. I’m very grateful for Meals on Wheels. For a long time I was afraid I would starve to death. I now no longer have a fear of starving. It’s just been a lifeline for me.”