3rd Quarter 2023 Newsletter | |
Meals on Wheels of Lee's Summit Reaches a Milestone!
The Board of Directors is proud to announce that our organization has reached a new milestone: 600,000 meals served! As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, made possible by our incredible volunteers, we can’t help but reflect on the two women who started it all, Lois Elbel, and Linda Dempsey.
Lois, whose mother was a client of Meals on Wheels in Indiana, knew firsthand how this program impacted her quality of life and felt confident a similar program would change lives in Lee’s Summit. Together, Lois and Linda embarked on a mission of service. “The population of Lee’s Summit in 1974 was approximately 22,000,” Lois Elbel shared. “We hoped for 15 clients to start the program.”
Our volunteers make it all possible; 150 good neighbors, like Lois and Linda, with a heart for service. Reflecting on the tremendous growth and community involvement Lois humbly shared, “I never dreamed of such success.”
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When the picture of Thomas and Cameron DeLaTorre popped up on our social media feed in July, Lee’s Summit let out a collective sigh. “They’re pretty darn cute,” Terry Kincheloe, Chairman of the Meals on Wheel’s marketing committee, had to admit. “Images like this reinforce that our operation is truly a community effort, for all ages.” The picture of the DeLaTorre brothers also prompted Lee’s Summit residents to ask, “Who are these adorable summer helpers?”
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Local Lee's Summit Schools Give Back to Their Community
What do St. Michael the Archangel High School, Bernard Campbell Middle School and Westview Elementary have in common? Incredible students who serve their community!
St. Michael the Archangel students, Jack Tittle, and Bella Schneider, partnered with their parents to deliver meals (and smiles). Their contribution made such an impact that we featured them as August’s Volunteers of the Month! “The work ethic and heart for service displayed by Jack and Bella was amazing,” said Jenni Edwards of Meals on Wheels. “From delivering meals to creating cheerful 4th of July cards for our clients, these two really made it fun for everyone involved.”
Likewise, the students at Bernard Campbell Middle School pitched in for the Lee’s Summit community. “It’s heartwarming for our clients to receive handmade cards from students,” Jenni added. “There is a lot of excitement as a school year winds down, but Campbell students still took the time to create “Happy Summer!” cards for our clients, which we included with meals in June.”
Westview Elementary has a special connection with Meals on Wheels of Lee’s Summit. “My children Ben and Hadley are students there,” Jenni shared. “Ben’s Kindergarten class made placemats for our clients in May. Nothing brings a smile to your face quite like the artwork of 5- and 6-year-olds.”
Meals on Wheels of Lee’s Summit would like to thank St. Michael the Archangel, Bernard Campbell Middle School and Westview Elementary for inspiring your students to give back to their community. Have a great school year!
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Hospital Partnership Benefits Meals on Wheels of Lee's Summit Clients
September is National Fall Prevention Awareness Month, and we at Meals on Wheels have yet another reason to be grateful for our partnership with Lee’s Summit Medical Center. “The hospital, at their expense, has created an informational piece to share with our clients to reduce the possibility of severe injury from a fall,” Susie Newsam, President of Meals on Wheels of Lee’s Summit shared. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “Each year, 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.” Not all, but most of our clients are older adults, and therefore prone to fall-related injury. “We appreciate Lee’s Summit Medical Center creating material relevant to our clients,” Susie added. “Creating a safe living environment is key to remaining independent at home.”
Look for information on preventing falls to arrive in September. Thank you, Lee’s Summit Medical Center!
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Meals on Wheels America and Home Instead Partner to Combat Loneliness Epidemic
Of the lifestyle choices that affect health, smoking holds top-of-mind status in the American consciousness. But as tobacco use plumets among US citizens, an insidious factor is on the rise: loneliness. A pre-pandemic article in Psychology Today cites, “In the last 50 years, rates of loneliness have doubled in the United States. In a survey of over 20,000 American adults, it was found that almost half of respondents reported feeling alone, left out, and isolated.” In what can only be described as a post-covid loneliness epidemic, the importance of face-to-face interaction has never been more critical. This is why Meals on Wheels of America and Home Instead are teaming up on a national level. “Our missions are aligned,” Susie Newsam, President of Meals on Wheels of Lee’s Summit commented. “There is no substitute for face-to-face encounters. Our drivers, many of whom have served the same route for years, share a deep personal connection with our clients. It’s more than just a hot nutritious meal that impacts health and well-being.”
According to Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, loneliness affects physical health. In a May 2023 U.S. Advisory, Murthy cited alarming statistics resulting from the devastating impact of loneliness and isolation. “The physical health consequences of poor or insufficient connection include a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults. Additionally, lacking social connection increases risk of premature death by more than 60%.”
“One of Dr. Murthy’s recommendations is cultivating a culture of connection to combat loneliness,” president Newsam shared. “I’m proud to say Meals on Wheels of Lee’s Summit has been integral in connecting the homebound to our community. It’s exciting to see our organization, on the national level, partner with Home Instead, who shares a similar mission. Together, we’re making an impact on the overall health and well-being of Jackson County.”
Visit www.mealsonwheelsls.org to volunteer or donate. For more information on Home Instead services, visit www.homeinstead.com.
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Social Media Spotlight
In case you missed these stories, follow us on social media to keep up with all the happenings!
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It takes a team of volunteers like Susan working with the awesome Cafe staff at Lee's Summit Medical Center to prepare over 500 meals for our clients each week. Thanks for your efforts!! | |  |
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Who do you count on?
At Meals on Wheels of Lee’s Summit, we count a dedicated kitchen staff! Our incredible partnership with Lee’s Summit Medical Center is focused on a mutual commitment to providing warm, nutritious meals, tailored to each client’s allergy, medical or religious needs.
Thank you, Lee’s Summit Medical Center, for being a partner we can count on!
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