Meals on Wheels Orange County, NC, has always led with the motto of service first. And we've been lucky enough to have a tremendous community of volunteers and donors who have enabled us to do just that over the past 45 years. What a joy and privilege to be on this journey together - thank you!
Throughout COVID and a merger, you were there. Setting up each weekday morning to sort, package, and deliver shelf-stable food, creating beautiful cards, making phone calls to check in on recipients, and donating your dollars. Together, we expanded delivery by 18,000 meals, diversified our meal delivery options, and served more older adults. And now, we have the opportunity to do even more.
In the next five years we plan to expand access to unserved and underserved communities, diversify meal options to better meet recipient health and cultural needs, initiate new programs to mitigate social isolation and loneliness, and grow our capacity as an organization to ensure long-term sustainability. As we continue to move through (and hopefully past) COVID, we've grasped this opportunity to think expansively about who we are as an organization and how we can best serve older adults and the broader community. Our strategic plan beautifully encapsulates the vision and potential of MOWOCNC. We need you, our volunteer and donor community, to help make it happen.
In 2023, our budget will grow to over $700,000 simply to maintain service at current recipient levels. By 2027, we project our budget will be well over $1,000,000. The numbers may seem daunting, but we have a strong, caring staff, a dedicated board, amazing volunteers, and generous, committed donors. We're ready to get started, and we want you to come along for the ride and help direct us to our destination. If you've had the chance to meet me, you may know that I love talking about what we do and how you can get engaged. I am always open for a call, a chat over coffee, or a walk along a trail. If you are willing to connect directly, click here, and I'll be in touch! Help us make the next 45 years as strong and successful as our first! Together, we can deliver.
With appreciation,
Rachel Bearman, Executive Director
P.S. New to MOWOCNC? Be forewarned... once you get engaged with the organization, get ready for a meaningful, wonderful ride. Historically, our volunteers and donors have served for years, even decades. And we're always looking for new people to join the team!