April 2020
Your Support is Saving Lives!
Dear friends and supporters,

There has not been a time in recent history when our critical mission has been so front and center as it is right now. Nor has there been a time when the need for our services has surged so rapidly. In the past couple of weeks, Meals-on-Wheels clients have increased by 1,500 and we continue to add roughly 50 new clients daily, as COVID-19 c losures and precautions result in higher numbers of seniors and individuals with a medical challenge who are temporarily home-bound. Thanks to many of you, we stand ready to answer the call to help save lives in our community.

With your help, we will continue on the front lines, serving the most vulnerable in our community - and together, we will weather this storm. Will you consider a first-time or additional gift to help us remain on the front lines?
I also want you to know that your compassion and commitment do not go unnoticed! We have received story after story from clients who have cried tears of gratitude and relief upon receiving their meals. Please take a moment to scroll down to read a few stories from the front lines.

Truly, we are all in this together. Thank you for your unwavering support during this unprecedented time.

Your partner in Nourish the Human Spirit.
Charles W. Gehring
President and CEO
LifeCare Alliance In the News: Our Agency's work has been featured in the Columbus Dispatch, NBC 4, WSYX, 10-TV, and more!

COVID-19 Preparedness Plan: Visit our website and follow us on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram, to stay updated on the Agency's response to COVID-19.

If you are interested in learning more about the Legacy Endowment Campaign, establishing a planned gift, or becoming a member of the Catherine Nelson Black Society,  please contact:

Rebecca Hurd, Vice President of Advancement
614-437-2867 or  [email protected]
Stories from the Front Lines
Just this past week, Meals-on-Wheels volunteers uncovered 5 scenarios where clients had fallen in their homes. Without our daily visit and delivery, these clients would not have received timely, critical care.
“Upon arriving to a home, I heard a client yelling for help. I called 911 and waited for the EMT to arrive. Once inside the home, I saw that the client was lying on the floor unable to get up."
- Meals-on-Wheels Volunteer

"Clients have cried with gratitude when receiving their meals – they weren’t sure if we would be continuing with our deliveries."
- Meals-on-Wheels Driver
Every-day heroes, serving neighbors.
State Highway Patrol Officers volunteering to deliver meals.
"I delivered groceries to a client battling cancer, and she was near tears expressing her gratitude for LifeCare Alliance." - Pantry Delivery Volunteer
*In one day, our Groceries-to-Go pantry had 14 new families sign up for service.

Project OpenHand-Columbus is helping those who are typically independent, but at higher risk due to HIV/AIDS and without jobs due to COVID-19. We are deploying frozen meals to get through this critical time. 
We're Donning Our Capes, Dr. Acton!
Volunteers are powering LifeCare Alliance's pandemic response across our 5 counties.

THANK YOU to the hundreds of people who have stepped up to serve. You are so valued and so needed, and we are grateful for your commitment and compassion to the most vulnerable in our community.

Are you ready to don your cape?
  • New Volunteers: Please complete our online application here and attend an 11:00 am training at 670 Harmon Avenue, Columbus, OH 43223. Training will occur daily and volunteers may have the opportunity to deliver a route that day if there are openings.
  • Existing volunteers: Please sign up for an open route at any time using the Meals-on-Wheels scheduler.
Special Note: As we continue to monitor COVID-19 precautions, please stay tuned for future updates regarding Volunteer Recognition events.
We look forward to celebrating with you when it is safe to do so!
Program Spotlight: Senior PetCare
Did you know that over 70% of our clients own a dog or cat?

For some, their pet(s) may be the only companion they have contact with throughout the day, providing security and comfort. The Senior PetCare program provides assistance for clients in taking care of their pets, helping to maintain the client’s ability to remain in their own home. Volunteers deliver pet food to clients’ homes, and the program also assists with veterinary care. Volunteers now deliver pet food and supplies on 20 AniMeals routes throughout central Ohio, so home-bound pet parents can keep their beloved pet companion animals! In the video below, Dana shares her story.

"It gets really hard in the winter time. I would turn off my heat in order to feed my cats" - Dana, Meals-on-Wheels and Senior PetCare Client
Quarterly Health Services Corner
"Even before my biopsy results, you all have been so kind, so professional, so good at what you do. I am so thankful for you. God bless you all." - Columbus Cancer Clinic Client
Health Services teams at LifeCare Alliance are working hard to ensure pandemic precautions, while continuing critical care. Take a look at how these key areas have made modifications to continue service.

  • Columbus Cancer Clinic activities have been modified so that essential functions like diagnostic screenings can continue. Non-essential screenings have been temporarily suspended.
  • Groceries-to-Go food pantry has moved to curbside pick-up and home delivery Monday - Friday, and is also in need of volunteers. Sign up here.
  • Wellness services continue via tele-health! Nurses and dietitians are continuing important check-ins, nutrition counseling, and diabetes consultations by phone.
ADDITIONAL UPDATES
Register for Camp

Registration for CODA’s summer youth camps remains open! This year, there's more of camp to love, as Camp Hamwi is expanding to three weeks!

*Note: The health and safety of campers comes first. If CODA's summer camp schedule changes, we will notify parents immediately. If you have questions or comments, contact Camp Director Anthony Myer at 614-884-4400.
We Are Hiring

We know that many are feeling the implications of COVID-19, and want to share part-time and full-time employment opportunities in two of our critical departments. C lick here   to see a full list of openings! For more information, you may contact the HR Department at 614-437-2813. Join our team and help us  Nourish the Human Spirit !
Tips For Quarantining

Looking for other fun, safe ideas to pass the time? Our Wellness department nurses have compiled a list of helpful tips and ideas while at home! Click here to read the full list. Happy quarantining!
Follow us on Social Media
To see more pictures, events, and news stories from LifeCare Alliance, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Rebecca Hurd
LifeCare Alliance
Thank you for Nourishing the Human Spirit !