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.

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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...

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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...

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National Frontline Disaster Response
National Frontline Disaster Response

Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee provides vital relief before, during and after storms, ensuring seniors & families have food and support when disaster strikes.

Johnny Roberts
Johnny Roberts - Blog - Fighting Isolation for Seniors
Johnny Roberts

Resilient Floridian Johnny Roberts faces storms, health struggles, and fighting isolation — but with Meals on Wheels, he receives vital care, meals, and connection.

With These Hands
With These Hands

Volunteer Melanie Nelson helps deliver meals and hope for Seniors, especially during disasters like hurricanes, where volunteers work tirelessly to ensure food reaches those i...

In the Kitchen with Inez
Black and white photo of client, Inez, in the kitchen - mobility challenges
In the Kitchen with Inez

Inez McLean, a 70-year-old amputee in Maine, regained independence and joy through Meals on Wheels after losing a leg to vascular disease. With regular meal deliveries and com...

Embracing Adversity: The Resilient Life of Mr. Proudford
Thomas Proudford - Meals on Wheels and veteran support
Embracing Adversity: The Resilient Life of Mr. Proudford

The story of Thomas Proudford, an amputee and retired army veteran living in Fairbanks, Alaska, illustrates how life's adversities can be met with resilience and grace. Despit...

The McGilvarys
Frank McGilvary Smiling - Meals on Wheels support for aging couples
The McGilvarys

Frank’s life journey in Alaska and his enduring love with D.A., amidst personal tragedies, underscores their resilient community involvement and reliance on Meals on Wheels ...

The Kindness of Joe Young
Joe Young - kindness in action
The Kindness of Joe Young

Joe Young, a dedicated Meals on Wheels volunteer, embodies a quiet strength as he navigates his kitchen duties and client visits with purposeful dedication. With a background ...

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...