Delivering Independence

“How are things going?”

This is a question I am regularly asked by our volunteers and supporters. The answer is always “Things are great!” and there are a few reasons I can quickly respond that way. To start, former Executive Director Elizabeth Harless (and those before her) built an amazing agency during her 23 years at the helm. Secondly, everyone who works here is dedicated, knowledgeable, and fun to work with.

Most importantly, it is the volunteers and supporters that make Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud shine. Every day volunteers package and deliver nearly 300 meals to people in our community that need the food and personal connection. Every day a donation comes in that allows us to continue purchasing the food our volunteers deliver. Things are great!

Now I have the opportunity to look to the future - where we will be going? The senior population in Colorado is increasing by 6% every year, and in Larimer County the growth is even larger. People are calling it a “silver tsunami”. As our population continues to age, most people will need some type of support so they can remain independent in their home.
Delivering meals provides us the opportunity of daily contact with this potentially vulnerable population. We must continue to use this opportunity to provide a thorough wellness check and be able to recognize when our neighbors need additional support.

Our core service is, and will remain, delivering a nutritious meal, but there is more we can and must do. I am exploring enhanced services including a Wellness Beyond Nutrition program to help our clients receive all the support they need so they can remain in their homes as long as they choose. The only way we can do so is with continued support from the Loveland and Berthoud communities. I am confident with your support I will always be able to answer, “Things are great!” as we forge our way through the oncoming “silver tsunami”.

Jeffrey Pomranka
Executive Director