AgeSpan’s Meals on Wheels program delivers over one million meals annually, serving adults aged 60 and older, as well as qualified individuals with disabilities. Offering a hot meal five days a week directly to their door, this vital service helps keep recipients nourished and connected. But AgeSpan doesn’t do it alone. Volunteers and community partners make these deliveries possible.
Since last June, AgeSpan has teamed up with Northeast Arc’s STEP (Skills Training Exploration Program) to extend their reach even further. Northeast Arc helps people with disabilities become full participants in the community; choosing for themselves how to live, learn work, socialize, and play. The STEP (Skills Training Exploration Program) is designed to support participants to build work and life skills so they can become productive members of their communities. Participants, alongside staff, deliver Meals on Wheels every Monday and Thursday in Peabody and Danvers.
This collaboration is a win-win: while it provides valuable hands-on experience for the STEP participants, it also makes a profound impact on the lives of AgeSpan’s clients. Take Ronald and Rosalie from Danvers, for example. Rosalie, who has dementia, beams with joy when she sees her Northeast Arc friends delivering meals. “My mom’s face lights up when she sees them and offers hugs if they want them,” says Karen, Rosalie and Ron’s daughter. For Rosalie, these friendly faces bring not only meals but essential social interaction. Northeast Arc volunteers said that they love how nice and sweet the people they deliver to are and that they feel very appreciated.
Even participants who are unable to go out into the community are finding ways to make a difference. They create heartfelt holiday cards for Meals on Wheels recipients, which are delivered alongside their meals, adding a personal, creative touch to each delivery.
This unique partnership began when Rebecca Kay, AgeSpan’s Nutrition Manager, was delivering Meals on Wheels with her then 8-year-old son, who has autism. “It helps the STEP program participants work on social and life skills while engaging with the community,” she explains. “The older adults we deliver to love seeing these familiar faces, which encourages more socializing. It’s been so rewarding to witness the positive changes this collaboration has fostered.”
If you’re interested in joining AgeSpan’s mission to bring meals and companionship to those in need, whether as a community partner or volunteer, contact AgeSpan’s Volunteer and Intern Office at 978-651-3114 or volunteerprograms@agespan.org.
