Elm Court Center Meals

At Elm Court, we meet incredible individuals every day whose stories inspire our mission. One of those stories is Terry’s, a veteran who once served his country with honor and now faces battles of a different sort. Living alone, Terry spends his days with his television, where the voices on the screen are often his only company. But each week, the silence is broken by the arrival of two of our dedicated volunteers who visit Terry to deliver more than just a nutritious meal — they bring companionship and support that reaches beyond the front door.

Terry’s gratitude is quiet but profound. One recent visit, he mentioned, “My left leg — it’s been acting up lately,” and hesitated, admitting that even the thought of navigating his phone to schedule a doctor’s appointment felt overwhelming. The volunteer, sensing his need, immediately offered to help arrange it, ready to extend their support beyond meal delivery. Though Terry, with his enduring independence, declined, the offer touched him deeply. It was a reminder that someone cared about him as a person, not just as a recipient of services. For Terry, those moments with the volunteers serve as a lifeline, offering a glimpse of the community and care that surrounds him, quietly reaffirming that he is not alone.

Meeting a Growing Need: Expanding Our Reach with Your Help

The demand for services at Elm Court has continued to grow at an unprecedented rate. Nationwide, nearly 1 in 3 Meals on Wheels programs are contending with waitlists, leaving countless older adults uncertain of when they might receive their next meal. Yet, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, seniors in our community do not have to wait. With your support, we’ve been able to rise to meet this need, serving nearly 1.5 million meals over the past year alone — an increase of over 12% from the previous year. Your commitment has allowed us to reach over 11,400 individuals with services that extend beyond meal delivery, focusing on reducing isolation, enhancing well-being, and ensuring that our neighbors feel connected and cared for.

Your support empowers us to continue this mission — to break through isolation with every meal, as we did for Terry, and to create a community of care where no senior is forgotten. As demand grows, so does our commitment, and with you by our side, we look forward to reaching even more seniors with the meals, companionship, and support they need to live with dignity and independence. Thank you for making it possible.

Overcoming a tumultuous past, Jordan found hope and healing with the support of the folks at Meals on Wheels People’s Elm Court Center, redefining the meaning of family and community.

Jordan’s life has been a courageous journey, marked by triumphs and tribulations alike. As a child, he endured the trauma of abuse as well as the struggle for acceptance as a gay individual. “I lost a lot of family and friends,” he says.

When Jordan moved to Portland in his early 20s, he found a home at Darcelle XV Showplace, working for the late iconic drag queen. “That’s where I met my brothers,” he says, and embarked on a journey of healing. He authored books about his life story, including Out of the Closet, Into the Light, and Embraced, and donated all the proceeds to nonprofits that serve children and youth.

But in 2019, his life changed drastically when he fell and suffered a concussion that nearly affected his ability to live independently. That’s when he found Meals on Wheels People’s Elm Court Center. “I’m so grateful that I have Meals on Wheels,” Jordan says. “Without Meals on Wheels, I would be in assisted living.”

The staff and volunteers at the Elm Court Center not only provided him with nourishing meals but also demonstrated genuine care, compassion, and support. The connection he developed with volunteers and staff became a source of hope and reminded him that everyone, irrespective of their background or sexual orientation, deserves to be valued and embraced.

“They are so kind to me. My little dog Faith, they’re really kind to her, too,” he says. “I have never felt close to family or friends. Meals on Wheels changed that because of their intimacy of calling and checking throughout the week. It made me feel valued.”

Meals on Wheels People is a proud supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. We are committed to feeding any older adult in need, regardless of their immigration status, national origin, religion, race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. To deny someone this basic need is not only against our mission but also our belief that everyone deserves healthy food and the community is better for it. Anyone age 60 or older and in need of a meal and human companionship is welcome. This inclusive philosophy applies to all services provided by Meals on Wheels People.