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Hello, Friends!
I want to start with a big THANK YOU to all the wonderful volunteers and civic leaders who came to last month’s Volunteer Appreciation Lunch! We had a blast sharing food and stories and raffle prizes with over 200 guests—some of whom have been volunteering with MOWDR for over 20 years!
Check out pictures of this inspiring event
here. We hope to see you there next year!
Now read on for some exciting stories, including:
- Big news about MOWDR’s Friendly Visitors Program. (It’s growing!)
- One upstanding community member’s legacy of support for seniors.
- How voting by mail helps homebound seniors remain civically engaged.
- Keeping things cool at the Bay Point C.C. Cafe.
- Fun stats about MOWDR’s services.
Thanks for reading. See you next time!
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Carrie Blanding
Interim Executive Director
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CARING HANDS JOINS MOWDR FRIENDLY VISITORS
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Caring Hands Clients and Volunteers Invited to Join MOWDR's Friendly Visitors Program
The John Muir Caring Hands Program provided a well-established and comprehensive resource for local seniors. The program has been in existence for many years and has supported friendships, and some transportation, for seniors throughout Central and East Contra Costa County. The decision was recently made to discontinue the Caring Hands Program as of July 31. While Caring Hands will be missed, there is good news. Affected seniors will not be left without the resources they’ve come to rely on and will in fact have access to even more life-enhancing services that help improve their quality of life and maintain independence.
The John Muir Health leadership team examined the best way to serve seniors and found that integrating the Caring Hands Program with existing community resources like Meals on Wheels Diablo Region and Mobility Matters would not only provide consistent support but would also expand the geographic reach for seniors in need of these services. The programs working together means more seniors are served for a greater overall impact.
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Effective September 1, MOWDR's Friendly Visitors Program will accept Caring Hands participants. Senior clients and volunteers are encouraged to continue their supportive relationships but may choose to continue their relationships without formal program support.
Caring Hands and MOWDR staff are working together to create an opportunity for transitioning clients and volunteers to meet MOWDR staff, familiarize themselves with MOWDR policies and programs, and ask any questions they might have.
Cynthia Black, MOWDR’s Health and Wellness Division Manager says “Caring Hands is a valuable program for older adults. We are saddened by the fact that they are closing their doors, but are excited to offer our support to the Caring Hands clients and volunteers who want to become a part of our MOWDR family. It’s a win-win for all.”
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If you have questions about the program transition please contact Cynthia Black at cblack@mowdr.org. To learn more about MOWDR’s Friendly Visitors Program
click here.
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A MATTER OF GIVING: A CHAMPION FOR SENIOR CITIZENS LEAVES A LEGACY GIFT
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“Dan Hungerford was a private. He did not expect accolades for his generosity,” remembers Dan’s old friend and neighbor Nancy D. “I think if you asked him why he gave so generously to Meals on Wheels Diablo Region (MOWDR) and other organizations, he would simply say that it was the right thing to do.”
Dan made a big difference in seniors’ lives. He grew up during the Great Depression and knew what it meant to go without. He did not want others to experience the agony of going without food and as a result was a regular supporter of MOWDR’s various programs for over twenty years.Sadly, Dan passed away late last year at the age of 93. His quiet generosity and commitment to enhancing the quality of life for seniors knew no boundaries, and as a final gesture he left a generous legacy gift to Meals on Wheels Diablo Region...
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If you would like to learn more about leaving a legacy gift for seniors and MOWDR in your will, contact Erica Marcus at
emarcus@mowdr.org
or
925.925.937.8315.
or click here:
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VOTING FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR
HOME HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER!
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In a recent newsletter issue, Supervisor Diane Burgis reminded us that we can, and should, still exercise our right to vote even if we can't make it to our designated polling place. Voting by mail is convenient and affords voters the time to really study the ballot and make informed choices. An added bonus is that postage is no longer required for returning a ballot envelope in the mail.
Remember, every vote counts! Homebound seniors, who might otherwise not be able to take part in the voting process, can use the mail option to make sure their voices are heard and to play an active role in shaping policies that directly affect them.
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If you are a Contra Costa County resident, requesting a ballot by mail is simple! Text COCOBALLOT to 28683 (or 2Vote) and make the switch. You can also call
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MOWDR HELPS AMBROSE COMMUNITY CENTER CHILL OUT
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The Meals on Wheels Bay Point C.C. Café, located in the Ambrose Community Center in Bay Point, serves lunch to over 1,200 participating seniors each year, Monday through Friday. Recently it was determined that the center's 25-year old refrigerator was no longer consistently keeping food cold enough, and the decision was made to replace it instead of attempting yet another repair. This expense was unexpected and would place a burden on a budget already stretched thin—but necessity prevailed, and Ambrose Community Center ordered the costly refrigerator.
As the primary user of the unit, MOWDR saw the chance to help our community partner that had opened their doors to so many seniors over the years. The offer was made to share in the cost of the refrigerator.
Don Long, General Manager of the Ambrose Recreation and Park District expressed his gratitude in a note to MOWDR saying, “For years the District and Meals on Wheels Diablo Region have partnered to serve Bay Point seniors, and we look forward to our continued relationship."
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With a brand new commercial refrigerator to update the center’s kitchen and keep food fresh and safe for its guests, we have no doubt our relationship will stay 'cool' for years to come!
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To learn more about the six MOWDR C.C. Cafés where seniors can meet, eat, and have a good time
click here.
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Your Donation Dollars Allow Us to Improve
Every
Aspect of a Senior's Life!
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Your donation dollars mean so much more than a daily meal to the seniors we serve. As a full-service organization we focus on whole person solutions by assessing a client's situation and then linking them to a broad network of support services from nutrition to social interaction to fall prevention to health and wellness. Throughout, our goal is to empower older adults to live independently and with dignity in their homes for as long as possible. Won't you consider giving older adults the ultimate gifts of independence and quality of life by making a donation today?
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A BIG THANK YOU TO THE CONTRIBUTORS WHO HELPED MAKE THE MOWDR VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION LUNCH SO MEMORABLE!
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Thank you to everyone who provided sponsorships, cash donations, raffle items, and refreshments.
Click here
to see a list of our generous supporters.
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See what Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has been up to this past month in our photo gallery!
Click here
to enjoy our photos.
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Welcome to the Meals on Wheels Diablo Region family of volunteers!
Click here
to see the list of our newest volunteers.
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Read about
mandatory training from the California Department of Aging. Take the online training
here
.
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A special thank you to the generous donors who have given in tribute or in memory of their loved ones.
Click here
to see the list.
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Read
recent articles featuring Meals on Wheels Diablo Region in the community.
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© Meals on Wheels Diablo Region 2019. All rights reserved.
Meals on Wheels Diablo Region
1300 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek, CA, 94596
United States
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