agewell 2020 new 8.21_11-16_final
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SERVICE WITH A SMILE<br />
Mr. Bill Cruikshank Shares How His<br />
Team Provides More Than A Meal<br />
By Monique Houston<br />
Since 1971, Meals on Wheels has<br />
provided hot meals to homebound<br />
clients with various disabilities that<br />
cannot fresh meals for themselves.<br />
“We’ve managed to maintain, for 49<br />
years, having fresh meals prepared<br />
each morning,” explains Mr. Cruikshank.<br />
The organization utilizes a commercial<br />
kitchen that follows menus developed<br />
by a dietician, that specializes in lowsodium<br />
cuisine, to meet clients’ dietary<br />
needs. “Our clients get a hot dinner<br />
and a complete lunch. We offer a good<br />
variety of food,” he says.<br />
In addition to delivering healthy meals,<br />
the 350 volunteers work hard to<br />
maintain caring and kind relationships<br />
with each client. “Everything starts<br />
with our volunteers. The socialization<br />
that goes on between the clients and<br />
volunteers is very important to us.<br />
Some of our clients have been with<br />
us for 15 to 20 years,” Mr. Cruikshank<br />
reflects. “They are warm and friendly<br />
and are emotionally connected to us.”<br />
County social distancing guidelines<br />
have resulted in some home delivery<br />
modifications. For example, volunteers<br />
who once went into client homes to<br />
assist with meal set up, now perform<br />
front porch deliveries. However, that<br />
has not stopped the team from going<br />
the extra mile. Meals on Wheels<br />
teamed up with The Heart of Ida to<br />
organize over-the-phone friendly<br />
check-ins. “What keeps me going are<br />
the client stories I hear everyday.<br />
Even though they may be struggling<br />
and suffering, they are always thinking<br />
about the Meals on Wheels team.”<br />
www.HeartofIda.org | 7
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