Mission: We are a community based, non-profit public-benefit organization, committed to enhancing wellness by providing quality nutritious meals, nutrition education, coordinating community resources and referrals for our homebound clients enabling them to maintain their independence and quality of life.Meals on Wheels helps our homebound neighbors by delivering two meals daily right to their doorstep. Meals that they are unable to shop for or prepare. Meals that many can’t otherwise afford. The daily visits of our volunteers reassure our homebound clients that we care, and the volunteers help us ensure the well-being of our clients, as well.
Target demographics: seniors and those with mobility limitations
Direct beneficiaries per year: over 300 clients.
Geographic areas served: Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Topanga, Malibu, Marina Del Rey, Venice
Programs: home delivery of nutritious meals along with fresh produce, local newspaper and a caring smile to reduce hunger and isolation among homebound neighbors.
Meals on Wheels West is a wonderful organization and the people that work there, and volunteers are amazing. I have some neighbors who have received meals from them (along with the daily newspaper) AND it has helped them stay healthy and living in their own homes.
For over 17 years, I have been a caregiver for my mother & aunt. From time to time, my mother's critical health concerns required lengthy hospital stays & discharge to convalescent facilities/nursing homes. During her stays at these facilities, her realization of her loss of independence, lack of mobility & being bed-bound was heightened and absolutely demoralized her. Hope & motivation was disappearing for her and the plight of spending her days in a nursing home was overwhelming her, her sister and myself. With my family's consent, I applied for home-delivered meals. Meals on Wheels West was a great solution in allowing my mother to remain in the comfort of her own bed and home. The home-delivery of meals and a visit from the volunteers complemented my efforts as a caregiver. With her passing a few years ago, I now live with and care for my homebound aunt of 84 years of age. Her illness has mandated much of her time bed bound as well. Presently, I am able to manage my work, personal time and the care I must provide to make my aunt's life enjoyable. From time to time, I have been able to volunteer for Meals on Wheels West and my experience of delivering meals to the seniors and disabled, of all ages, has been a rewarding experience. As I leave their homes with a smile, I am amazed that I always feel that I just received something from them. My world becomes a little brighter when they greet me with joy and appreciation for their daily meal & my visit which maybe the only personal contact that they may have all day. I sometimes believe my time volunteering with the meal delivery is actually therapeutic for me. As a caregiver, I have explored many options for support and ways to understand my caregiving role in life. I truly understand the emotional needs of the aging and disabled persons. The need for self-esteem and a sense of independence is so important to every person. I get it as I have been a part of that life experience for so long. Meals on Wheels West is the absolute 'safety net' for the homebound person to remain healthy, vibrant and allow some independence to remain in their own homes surrounded by memories and security. The alternative are the institutions and facilities that I have come to abhor.
Meals on Wheels West is an exceptional organization, run by a very talented executive director Rose Mary Regalbuto, with professional staff. Rose Mary is in the community, everyone loves her and MOW provided a tremendous service to those in need !
