Stories

Mrs. Janie, Meals on Wheels Client, receiving meal from volunteer at door - Meals on Wheels senior independence

FEATURED STORY

Mrs. Janie

Mrs. Janie Tope-Dawes, a 93-year-old Texan, once a poet, model, and secretary, faced deep isolation and health challenges after losing her husband and suffering a stroke. Living alone with limited mobility, she turned to Meals on Wheels San Antonio for support. The nutritious meals and compassionate connections helped restore her strength, health, and sense of purpose. Today, Mrs. Janie finds joy not only in the meals but in the community of volunteers who’ve become like family, helping her feel seen, nourished, and truly cared for.

Read their full story

Joel’s Story of Health, Hope and Perseverance
Meals on Wheels Client, Joel Roy, at home sitting in chair - senior independence support
Joel’s Story of Health, Hope and Perseverance

Joel Roy, a retired high school teacher, faces mobility issues and health challenges but wants to maintain their independence. Meals on Wheels has been essential in helping hi...

Read this story

Gundy
Client, Gundy, Knitting on Bed - the nation's oldest girl scout
Gundy

As the nation's oldest Girl Scout, Lenore "Gundy" Costello's legacy continues to inspire and empower young women worldwide. Their remarkable journey embodies resilience, leade...

Read this story

All Stories

37 Results

Newest

A “Thank You” is Good Enough
Vernon - Meals on Wheels volunteer story
A “Thank You” is Good Enough

Vernon Shelton, a Dunn, North Carolina native, exemplifies southern hospitality and altruism through 45 years of dedicated service with Meals on Wheels, driven by a genuine de...

Finding A Slice of Heaven
Michael Snodgrass, senior veteran, sitting on bed
Finding A Slice of Heaven

In 1975, Michael joined the army as an audacious 18-year-old. He’s completed two tours of infantry duty, received a gold star as a standout army recruiter, braved the winte...

Ella Stewart and the Elegy of Her Kinfolk
Ella Stewart - senior storytelling and connection
Ella Stewart and the Elegy of Her Kinfolk

On the surface, there’s nothing extraordinary about knocking on a door until you meet a Meals on Wheels volunteer. Then, you see a knock for what it is: a conduit to buildin...

The [Sign] Language of Kindness
Volunteer, Debbie, and deaf client, Dennis showing I Love You in Sign Language
The [Sign] Language of Kindness

Debbie is an inspiring Meals on Wheels volunteer with a very special story. When Dennis, a client who is deaf, lost the ability to read lips during the pandemic, Debbie leaped...

Puppy Love: The Power of Pet Companionship
Judy and Brenda with pets Hazel and Brownie - senior pet support programs
Puppy Love: The Power of Pet Companionship

Two seniors native to Knoxville, Tennessee — Judy and Brenda — couldn’t imagine life without their respective pets, Hazel and Brownie, who provide companionship and, of ...

Below the Georgia Pines: The Story of Frank and Blade
Meals on Wheels Client, Frank, and his dog, Blade - senior and pet companionship
Below the Georgia Pines: The Story of Frank and Blade

Frank has been granted the gift of sharing the last 12 or so years with his favorite furry companion, Blade — who keeps Frank healthier, happier and more independent just by...

Discover the Power of a Knock: Wilbert
Wilbert - Client Blue Blazer Eye Contact Neutral Sitting on Couch - senior nutrition assistance
Discover the Power of a Knock: Wilbert

Too many of our aging neighbors experience hunger and isolation, wishing a helping hand would knock on their door, and they’d see a friendly face. That’s why Meals on Whee...

Discover the Power of a Knock: Ruth
Ruth, Client in Colorful Blouse Smiling in Kitchen - What a Knock on the Door Means to Ruth
Discover the Power of a Knock: Ruth

Too many of our aging neighbors experience hunger and isolation, wishing a helping hand would knock on their door. That’s why Meals on Wheels volunteers show up at the doors...

Still Dancing at 89 Years Young!
Evelyn, Meals on Wheels Client - active seniors staying engaged
Still Dancing at 89 Years Young!

Local providers are struggling to keep up with rising costs and increased demand, and an innovative partnership between Meals on Wheels America and Food Lion Feeds aims to eas...

Martha Kratz: Opening the Door to Safety
Martha Kratz getting checkup at home - senior home safety
Martha Kratz: Opening the Door to Safety

Even with limited mobility, seniors like Martha can lead full, independent lives. Meals on Wheels is there to deliver more than a meal by helping to keep Martha, and millions ...

Because Pets Are Family Too
Dawn holing her cat - keeping seniors and their pets together
Because Pets Are Family Too

Pets can bring an endless supply of unconditional, spirit-lifting love, even on the most difficult of days. Dawn’s cats have provided love, loyalty, friendship and adorable ...

Serving Up Life-Saving Connection During a Global Pandemic
Robert - connection during COVID isolation blog
Serving Up Life-Saving Connection During a Global Pandemic

Covid-19 hit in March 2020, plunging the nation into lockdown and resulting in millions of seniors finding themselves in need of support. For some, like Robert Montanez, the m...