Meals On Wheels and Senior Outreach Services Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
 Susannah Meyer, Community Engagement Director, 925-239-2487


MEALS ON WHEELS AND SENIOR OUTREACH SERVICES BRINGS TOGETHER INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITY FOR 16TH ANNUAL MARCH FOR MEALS CELEBRATION
March will allow youth and elderly citizens to raise their voices and bring awareness to senior hunger and isolation in Contra Costa County.

Walnut Creek, March 14, 2018 - Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services (MOWSOS) announced today that it will be participating in the 16th annual national March for Meals campaign - a month-long, community-by-community celebration of Meals on Wheels and the vulnerable seniors who rely on this vital service to remain independent at home. MOWSOS' celebration will include a Community Champions Week including ride-alongs with local dignitaries and an Intergenerational Community March in Todos Santos Plaza in Concord.

"The services that we provide to seniors of Contra Costa County are critical, and the need is rapidly increasing with the aging population," said Elaine Clark, CEO of MOWSOS. "By engaging the next generation of supporters through our Intergenerational Program, we can teach young people about the power of advocacy for those in need and keep seniors connected to their community for years to come."

MOWSOS' Intergenerational Program raises the awareness of the needs of our elderly population, and provides the next generation with a heightened sense of community service and volunteerism. The program aims to enhance both the lives of seniors and young people through memorable experiences such as sharing a meal, arts and crafts projects, and just getting to know one another. This is one of several support services offered by MOWSOS which range from nutrition to social interaction to fall prevention to health and wellness activities. Our Community March launches our new Intergenerational Program in a public forum.
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Community Champions Week (March 19 - 23, 2018): Community Champions Week is an opportunity for local leaders to show their support for MOWSOS and March for Meals by volunteering their time to help deliver meals across Contra Costa County throughout the week.

Community leaders participating in Community Champions Week 2018 include Assemblymember, Catharine Baker;  Pleasant Hill Mayor, Tim Flaherty; Walnut Creek Mayor, Justin Wedel: Walnut Creek Councilman, Rich Carlston; Clayton Mayor, Keith Haydon; Bay Point Municipal Advisory Council, Debra Mason; Representative from the office of Assemblyman Jim Frazier; Representative from the office of House Representative Eric Swalwell; and Representatives from the office of Senator Steven Glazer. Please contact  Susannah Meyer at 925-963-1611 for scheduled days and times of dignitary ride-alongs.

Intergenerational Community March (March 23, 2018): The Intergenerational Community March will be held on Friday, March 23 at Todos Santos Plaza, Concord from 11:00am to 12:30pm.

The event will unite students from Queen of All Saints School with student volunteers from College Park High School and residents of local senior living communities. Students carrying homemade advocacy signs will march alongside seniors and other community members to speak out in support of older adults. MOWSOS CEO, Elaine Clark; Concord Mayor, Edi Birsan; and a representative from the office of Karen Mitchoff are scheduled to speak from 12pm to 12:30pm. Community members are welcome to attend.

For more information about March for Meals events in Contra Costa County this month or about MOWSOS support services, visit mowsos.org.
Meals On Wheels and Senior Outreach Services
                    Susannah Meyer                  
Community Engagement Director
925-239-2487
Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services is a full-service nonprofit organization dedicated since 1968 to helping seniors live independently and with dignity. Based in Walnut Creek, the agency serves seniors all across Contra Costa County. More information can be found at www.mowsos.org.