Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island

Legacy Soiree a Success!

MOWRI — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:15:32 +0000

Visit our Facebook page to see photos from our very special evening in honor of MOWofRI founder, Joseph N. Brown. Photography by Denise Flores Photography Continue reading →

Teen’s Bat Mitzvah project helps agency

MOWRI — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 17:19:37 +0000

It’s always a good day when someone calls the development office interested in our programs. When Sara C., spoke with the director of development, Erin O’Gara Dollard, the conversation was very lively. Her daughter, Jenna had an upcoming Bat Mitzvah project which focused on helping seniors. Sara explained her daughter had chosen MOWofRI because she loves being around older people and wanted to do what she could. Of course the first idea was to help deliver meals. As the conversation continued, Jenn also wanted to make a contribution to the agency. Jenna sent a fundraising letter to her family and friends and so far has raised $2,500.00 for MOWofRI. Over two weeks, time was arranged for Jenna and her parents to help deliver meals from the Jewish Community Center in Providence. It was great to have a family so involved in making a difference. We look forward to Jenna’s big day — and her continued help when she has the time. The office received a call from a client after Jenna delivered a meal. The client, who posed for a picture, wanted “a copy for herself with such a delightful, helpful young lady.” That picture will be sent for certain!

Legacy Soiree October 17th at Waterplace Restaurant

MOWRI — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 17:00:25 +0000

The date has been set for the agency’s annual fundraising event: Monday, October 17th at 5:30 at Waterplace Restaurant in Providence. Join MOWofRI for the Legacy Soiree as we celebrate our history and honor our founder, Joseph N. Brown. Tickets are $35 pp and attire is business casual. Sponsorships still available! Call 351.6700 ext. 140 for details and to RSVP. You can also purchase tickets at http://rimeals.org/register

No Phone Service? Cell Phone Only? No Problem!

MOWRI — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 16:53:38 +0000

The New England Emergency Response Systems has the solution. The latest engineering and technology has delivered a cost-effective solution with a cellular Personal Emergency Response System. Installation fee $39, monthly service fee $45. Call NEERS directly at 800-888-0338 for more … Continue reading →

Agency awarded $10,000 from Walmart Associates Choice Awards

MOWRI — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 16:48:28 +0000

This summer Meals on Wheels was selected to take part in the Walmart Associate Choice Program. Five local non-profits were in the running for the grand prize of $100,000.00; Family Service of RI, Amos House, Books are Wings and A Wish Come True. Congratulations to A Wish Come True!!!

It was exciting to be recognized for the work we do — helping seniors daily — across the state. Our award of $10k will directly impact the clients we see everyday and support the programs that impact so many lives.

Happy Kitten Adoption In Providence!

MOWRI — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 16:39:29 +0000

We are happy to report we made our first pet adoption last month. With the help of Solid K9 Training, our client, Sharon now has a new kitten “Toby”. The first day or two were a little scary for “Toby” and he hid under Sharon’s bed for hours. But after a while he got brave and smelled his food! MOWofRI has been in touch with Sharon and her sister, assisting them when they need more pet food. Donations have been made throughout the summer by Kent Hospital, personally from neighbors and friends of the agency and by staff. If you are interested in making a pet food donation, please call 351.6700 ext. 140. We also have the need for flea & tick medicine for both cats and dogs. Other toys and animal “treats”, bowls and blankets can also be dropped of at our 70 Bath Street office.

How Can YOU Help?

MOWRI — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:51:25 +0000

Drivers & Runners
Drivers pick up meals at the 70 Bath Street location and are given a specific route, making several stops along the way to Meals on Wheels clients. Sometimes a driver works with a volunteer “runner” who takes the meal from the car to the door of the seniors’ homes.
Special Events
The agency has many programs, special events and fundraisers that require extra help – including planning and organizing, publicity, onsite set up and staffing and much more. Call [Erin O’Gara Dollard] for our calendar of events and see if there is one (or two) that you might help with.
Office Help
Most people don’t realize that Meals on Wheels has an administrative side – an office that organizes meal preparation and delivery and communicates with clients & caregivers, dining sites and drop off sites. We are fortunate to be able to utilize the energy of volunteers to provide administrative and clerical support to keep our office running smoothly.
Telephone Calls
In an effort to keep in touch with our seniors, volunteers can assist in making regular phone calls to seniors and homebound clients to “check in” on them. This is often a great opportunity for volunteers to work from home making calls on a flexible schedule.
Senior Center Aides
Our Meals on Wheels program has a number of sites in Providence that are always looking for help serving meals at lunch time and throughout the day with activities, special programs and other tasks.

Looking For A Great Place To Eat … Try The Senior Restaurant Program

MOWRI — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:48:06 +0000

In collaboration and with funding support from The Department of Elderly Affairs and designed with Rhode Island’s seniors in mind, Chelo’s, IHOP and Newport Creamery – all located in Providence – have created a special dine out experience for seniors “on the go”! Each establishment has a different menu and items may vary at each location but diners may select from a wide variety of tasty American cuisine at each of the areas most popular restaurants. Vouchers are available at the agency and can be mailed to eligible seniors. Open to all seniors, 60 years or older – need not be a RI resident – all seniors welcome to join us at our dining sites and take advantage of your Senior Restaurant Program. For more information contact Pauline Asprinio at 351-6700 ext. 125.

We All Love Our Pets (WALOP)

MOWRI — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:39:45 +0000

Like their owners, the pets who are cherished by millions of homebound seniors receiving Meals On Wheels services also need nutritious meals to stay healthy. Appreciating how important it is to provide both seniors and their pets with high quality nutritious meals, MOWAA created We All Love Our Pets (WALOP) – a national initiative that seeks to unite Meals On Wheels programs across the country in their efforts to keep seniors and their beloved pets well nourished.

MOWofRI’s Pet Food Pantry is stocked with a variety of dog & cat food, cat litter, bird feed, toys and some other “comfort” items such as blankets and cushions; all for our clients’ pets! With the generosity of Kent Hospital, Banfield Pet Hospital – and donors like you from around the state – the support has allowed us to keep the shelves full year round.

Our drivers and volunteers know their clients and those who own pets. They make the daily delivery of both a “hot nutritious meal” and pet food when needed. Sometimes it may be a little bag of treats dropped off, other days it’s a 4lb bag of food that our client could not afford to purchase on their limited budget.

Recently, Solid K9 Training has offered their assistance and professional help in coordinating drop off efforts as well as providing “special pet visits” to seniors. Also in an exploration phase is the idea of pet fostering opportunities for our clients. If you have questions or would like to donate to our Pet Food Pantry please contact Sandra MacLeod at 351-6700 ext. 142.

Senior Nutrition “Farmer’s Market Vouchers” Coming Soon

MOWRI — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:35:15 +0000

Sponsored by The Department of Agriculture, the Senior Nutrition “Farmer’s Market” Vouchers will be available again this summer. Beginning mid-July through October 31st (while supplies last), eligible seniors (aged 60+ and/or disabled) can pick up FREE Farmer’s Market vouchers valued at $15 our 70 Bath Street location. Included with each booklet is a program brochure with a listing of all participating area farmer’s markets, times and locations across the state. If you or someone you know would like a booklet, but are unable to travel, vouchers will be mailed upon request. Please contact Pauline Asprinio 351-6700 ext. 125