Elm Court Center Meals

by Meals on Wheels People
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Elm Court Center Meals
Elm Court Center Meals
Elm Court Center Meals

Project Report | Oct 29, 2024
Reaching Veterans Like Terry with More Than Meals

By Kelsey Allen | Communications Specialist

Terry receives his meal delivery
Terry receives his meal delivery

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.

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Organization Information

Meals on Wheels People

Location: Portland, OR - USA
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Project Leader:
Tony Staser
Portland , OR United States

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This project is no longer accepting donations.
 

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