Elm Court Center Meals

Meals on Wheels People’s Elm Court Center has made a profound impact in the lives of those in need within our community. One compelling example is David, an accomplished disc golfer whose life took an unexpected turn, leading to homelessness and dire health challenges. This story outlines how the Elm Court Center served as a lifeline to David, embodying our shared vision of inclusivity and community support.

David, a known figure in disc golf, was once responsible for designing and installing Oregon State Parks’ first officially sanctioned disc golf course. His vision of inclusivity made this course accessible to all. However, life challenges, including divorce and severe health conditions, led to a downward spiral into homelessness, and his life became a daily struggle for survival. A harsh winter almost claimed his life, but a fortuitous encounter with a social worker who helped him secure housing set him on a path to recovery.

Struggling with a fixed income of just $850 a month, David found it increasingly difficult to put food on the table. “I have a cat and a dog, and I’m always making sure they get fed and taken care of first,” he says. “I was having a hard time getting food.”

That's when David learned about Meals on Wheels People through his next-door neighbor. His neighbor was receiving meals from the Elm Court Center, and David realized that this could be a lifeline for him, too. Nutritious meals delivered to his doorstep meant that he could focus on rebuilding his life rather than worrying about his next meal.

For David, MOWP is more than just a meal delivery service; it’s a symbol of the community’s support, a tangible reminder that he’s not alone in his journey back to stability and joy. “Sometimes they’re the only people I get to talk to,” David says. “I really like that I get a [Friendly Chats] phone call as well. I know I can call if I need help for other things, too.”

During the pandemic, when isolation became the norm, the Elm Court Center was there for David. When he fell seriously ill with the flu, he needed help, but help seemed out of reach. That’s when his volunteer delivery driver, Debra, stepped in. She reached out to the manager from the Elm Court Center, and together, they made sure David got the Tylenol he needed.

“I was so happy,” David says. “Thank God for Meals on Wheels.” His gratitude goes beyond the physical relief the medication provided. It’s about the empathy, the effort, the fact that people were willing to go the extra mile for him.

The connection between Meals on Wheels People and David’s past life in disc golf is profound. Just as he designed disc golf courses to be accessible to everyone, Meals on Wheels People reaches out to those who most need support, regardless of their circumstances. From designing spaces of inclusivity to finding inclusion himself through the Elm Court Center, David’s life has come full circle.

David's life story is a testament to the difference that Meals on Wheels People, through the Elm Court Center, can make in an individual’s life. His gratitude speaks volumes about the empathy, effort, and willingness of Elm Court Center and Meals on Wheels People to go the extra mile for those in need.