Meals on Wheels Central Texas

I have been delivering Meals on Wheels in Central Texas for nearly 24 years. I have met so many lovely folks along the way! Volunteers, Meal Site managers, meal recipients (and often, their pets!) have been so wonderful, and grateful!
MOW Central Texas makes volunteering SO easy! I would not have been able to continue for so many years if they did not make pick up and delivery so seamless. They are always so organized and picking up meals is quick and efficient. It makes it the perfect volunteer opportunity for those who are trying to fit it in while working.

I love volunteering for MOWs and have been volunteering for 2 yrs. My route only takes 20 minutes so I have time to stay a little longer and visit with residents who like to visit. If I cannot make it on my day to volunteer, it is easy to get a sub. I can also sub for other people when I have time. I have built relationships with the people I deliver to and I look forward to seeing them every week. It is nice being the eyes and ears for the people I deliver to. If I have concerns or if they have additional needs, all I have to do is pick up the phone and call MOWs. I am so happy they are looking out for the elderly and those who are home bound and I am proud to be a part of this wonderful organization.

I have been delivering meals with MOWCT for four years and am constantly amazed at how organized and efficient the organization is. The people that we serve are very appreciative of the service and I am proud to be part of MOWCT.

Meals on Wheels Central Texas doesn't just help address the food scarcity issues facing seniors in the Austin area and surrounding communities. They also provide a unique program for older adults with Alzheimer's and dementia called Mike's Place. As a weekly volunteer with this program, it is clear to see what an incredible job the Meals on Wheels team is doing for seniors with these conditions and their families. Participants get to eat, exercise, dance, listen to music, garden, do art projects, chat with volunteers, play bingo, you name it, and their family members and caregivers who drop them off know that their loved ones will be safe and well taken care of for the day. MOW Central Texas is one of the top nonprofits going above and beyond to serve their community, kudos!

Meals on Wheels Central Texas is much more than just a meal. The wide range of programs offered by our services provide life sustaining care and support to our neighbors. As a long time volunteer and board member, I have heard amazing stories of people in need. One that sticks with me is that of a volunteer delivering a meal one day. The client seems stressed and smelled badly enough for the volunteer to ask if something was the matter. The client replied that the light bulb in her bathroom had burned out and she had been afraid to bathe for several weeks. Our volunteer immediately called the main office and the light was replaced within the hour. Yes, we are more than a meal. We are compassion in action.

At a time when our public sector is growing harsher with its choices… choosing to add to the burdens of those who have nothing (or next to nothing)… and at a time when our economy is pushing more families to their limits… the role of organizations like Austin’s own Meals on Wheels and More becomes even more critical.

As a donor, I look for an organization that is as creative and as resourceful as those who are scraping to get by. I expect that organization to be compassionate. But that compassion must be married to deep competence if not excellence or that compassion, in real terms, will be unsustainable. Finally, I look for an organization who has a leader with a commitment to service coursing through his or her veins… and who wants nothing more than to be useful and to help our “modern lepers”… the ones we shun and a turn a blind eye toward. I am fortunate to have found one such organization and one such leader: Meals on Wheels and More… and Dan Pruett.

Why do I volunteer for Meals on Wheels and More? For me, it’s the people you meet and the hearts you touch throughout the years. It’s a smile you bring to them that day along with nourishment. I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting the staff at Meals on Wheels (MOW), and they are truly amazing. They do what they do because they want to make a difference in the lives of the elderly. My 32 years have flown by and I can’t imagine ever giving it up.

This charity is amazing. Providing hot nutritious meals on a daily basis to the elderly and disabled - they have the program down to a fine art. The meals are prepared and delivered hot. The clients and their families are always thankful. The efficiency of the program and the coordination of all of the volunteers is a testament to what people can do when they work together. Works like a well-oiled machine.

I've delivered meals for MOWAM for about 13 years now, and have loved it each time. Knowing these homebound people are receiving a nutritious meal means a lot to me, but also knowing they have daily contact with someone is a relief. The organization that must happen to have the meals and cold bags ready each day is staggering, but I've never seen them get it wrong! Through delivering meals I got interested in their Groceries to Go program as well, and now grocery shop for the most wonderful woman each month. I hope I brighten our client's day, but I know some of them brighten mine.

I started volunteering with Meals on Wheels and More several years ago and have grown to really believe in the mission and goals of this organization. Belonging to MOWAM not only brings joy to my life but I sincerely believe it brings joy to those we help. And watching this organization grow and expand the services they provide has been very impressive.

Looking back to when I first got involved with MOWAM it began with just a small donation. It's now progressed into volunteering and increasing my annual donation significantly. This is how much I believe in this organization.

I organize a group of volunteers at our hospital and we have been delivering meals every Tuesday for 12 years to the deserving and delightful clients. The people who staff the pick up locations are dedicated and helpful. Meals on Wheels and More is one of the finest organizations I know and just an hour a week can make a very positive, important difference in many lives. I encourage you to explore ways you can help. It's a very rewarding experience and I recommend this group whole heartedly.

The Austin Meals on Wheels and More program is one of the best organized volunteer program I have come across. The type of programs offered by this organization truly target the needs of the qualifying indiviuals.

It not only has their clients best interest at heart but makes sure that every volunteer is appreciated thruout the year.

I can not be more proud to be part of such well run organization within my community!

I couldn't be more impressed with the great care, efficiency, impeccable organization and compassion that Meals on Wheels provides to both their volunteers and their clients. I just LOVE being a part of this generous group of people! I truly believe that the visit and the food delivered to these clients is invaluable. We volunteers are not just delivery drivers, but we are a friend who cares about them and want to make them feel loved. To me, this is as important as the food that is provided.

I'm so proud to be a part of such a life-changing organization, and am thankful for the opportunity to share the love God has so generously shown me.

Jessica

As a volunteer I am happy to bring a healthy meal - and some personal contact - to people who might otherwise spend their days alone, possibly with inadequate nutrition. The clients are grateful, the job is rewarding, and all the staff - from those who prepare and distribute the meals to those who make the calls for substitute volunteers - are warm, enthusiastic, and caring. On the occasion that my last client wasn't home, I was actually able to sample the food, myself, and am happy to say that it is very tasty. I know we take great care to ensure that it is delivered promptly so that the hot foods remain hot and the cold foods cold. The organization also has many other programs designed to help those in need. Altogether an outstanding organization.