Meals on Wheels Newsletter
Summer 2014
Meals on Wheels of
Shaw nee and Jefferson
Counties, Inc.
2701 SW East Circle Dr
South, Suite 2
Topeka, Kansas 66606
(785) 295-3980 office
(785) 295-3999 fax
Business Hours:
M onday– Friday
8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Inside this issue:
Program Services
2
Donors
3
Volunteers
4
Special Events
5
Thank You
6
Home Delivery/
Congregate Dining
7
STOP IN ANYTIME…...
Meals on Wheels is an open book and
we want everyone to experience how this
well-oiled agency manages to get nearly
1,000 meals a day out to those who are in
need.
Perhaps you’ve always been curious or
maybe there’s a particular area about
Meals on Wheels that holds a special
interest for you.
Ideas may include:

Kansas Elected and 8
Appointed Officials



What happens during a home visit?
How are volunteers trained?
What does the kitchen look like
and how does it operate?
How are routes sheets created?





Learn how client comments/suggestions
impact the menu.
Maybe you’d like to take a look at the
menu development.
Gain a better understanding of our
funding.
Learn what our regulations and
requirements are.
Would you like to tour a dining center?
For over 40 years, the community has
been engaged with the agency and we’d
like to share the good things happening and
the impact that is made each day on those
receiving meals. I can be reached directly
at (785) 295-3988 or by email at
[email protected] to answer questions
or learn more about Meals on Wheels.
Additional ways to support Meals on Wheels: Gifts from your Will or
Trust, Stock and Appreciated Securities, Life Insurance, Tangible Personal
Property, Real Estate, or Charitable Gift Annuities (Immediate, Deferred or
Flexible). Meals on Wheels would be most appreciative to be considered as a
recipient of your memorial contributions. For questions related to providing
support to Meals on Wheels, please call (785) 295-3980.
Please visit our website at www.mowks.org
Program Services
Page 2
Social Work
Department
Never underestimate the power of the Meals on Wheels safety check! Today, the new technology makes meal
delivery for many people one of convenience only. E-Meals, Mom’s Meals, Magic Kitchen.com, etc. are
examples of convenience, but are not designed with the typical Meals on Wheels client in mind. A delivery
by UPS monthly or every other week on someone’s doorstep could never replace the all-important daily “eye
test”. Seeing our clients, seeing and experiencing their home environment and checking on their safety daily
puts Meals on Wheels programs “heads and shoulders” above all other programs.
In my 19 years as the Meals on Wheels social worker, I have witnessed countless occasions where the safety
check has literally saved a client’s life. Clients may have fallen, had a medical emergency, had compromised
environmental issues or simply stated that they were “not feeling well.” Further investigation of these issues,
calls to responsible parties and/or calls to “911” made the difference in the safety and well-being of many
participants. Often, time is of the essence and Meals on Wheels takes each situation very seriously until all
clients are deemed “safe” and accounted for each day. For many family members the safety check is almost
more important than the actual meal delivery.
As it has been said many times, “Hats off to our wonderful volunteers for being the eyes and the ears of our
agency!” Marilyn Rivera, Social Worker
Donors
Page 3
Thank you to our donors this quarter:
Giving/Donor Quote
Ms. Kristen Ables
Mr. Gary Habig
Mr. John Olsen
Mr. Bruce Akin
Mr. and Mrs. Roy Haines
PepsiCo Foundation
Ms. Cherish Allshouse
Mr. William Haling
Mr. and Mrs. Todd Pickerell
Mr. Larry Anderson
Mr. Gerald E. Hanson TTEE
Mr. Donald Pollom
Ms. Patricia Anderson
Mr. Jimmy Hastings
Polo Custom Products
Mr. Anthony Artzer
H. E. Hathaway
Ms. Angela Powers
AT&T United Way Employee Giving Campaign
Heartland CFC
Ms. Karla Price
Mr. and Mrs. William Baker
Mr. Keith Hendrickson
Ms. Kelsey Purvis
Ms. Conchita Ballard
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Heronime
Dr. and Mrs. Bart Ramsey
Ms. Carlene Barkley
Mr. Dennis Hetrick
Mr. and Mrs. John Rivera
Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Basgall
Ms. Mae Hittle
Mr. Herman Rohr
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Bauman
Mr. Carl Holmes
Mr. Robert Rousser
Mr. David Benak
Mr. Matt Hothan
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sabatini
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
Hutchinson Regional Medical Center
Mr. David Satterwhite
Ms. Jennifer Brevitz
Ms. Robbi Jenkins
Mr. and Mrs. Roger Scurlock
Brewster Place
Ms. Brenda Jessop
Seaman High School Interact Club
Mr. and Mrs. George Brown
Mr. John Kanicki
Ms. Joan M. Sebring
Ms. Chelsey Cairns
Mr. Robert E. Karle
Ms. Vicki Shurtz
Casey's General Stores
Mr. Gregory Kelly
Mr. Thomas Smith
Mr. Mason Cedarquist
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kelly
Mr. Anthony Somma
Central National Bank
Mr. Brooks Keogh
Mr. and Mrs. John Stauffer
Mr. Dave Claussen
Mr. Kevin Kongs
Mr. Jeff Stone
Ms. Melanie Coffman
Dr. & Mrs. Clayton A. Lang
Mr. William Stormann
Ms. Debora L. Cox
Mr. Jeffery Larson
Mr. Thomas Stuchlik
Mr. and Mrs. Ron Crandall
Mr. and Mrs. James G. Lillie
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Thomas
Mr. Phillip Cupps
Mrs. Jo Lindley
Mr. and Mrs. John M. Thorp
Mr. and Mrs. Brad Delka
Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Long
Ms. Cheryl Tiller
Mrs. Mary Jane Elder
Ms. Jean Macfee
United Methodist Health Ministry Fund
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Fidler
Ms. Sherry Macke
Mr. & Mrs. James W. Ussery
First Presbyterian Church
Mr. John P. MacMillan
Mr. Mark Vetter
Mr. Don Ford
Ms. Mary E. McDaniel
Ms. Cynthia Wahle
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Fritton
Mr. and Mrs. Jim McKinnon
Westar Energy
Mr. and Mrs. Doug Gerdel
Mr. and Mrs. Craig A. McManus
Ms. Harriet Whightsil
Ms. Gail Gibson
Mr. Michael Miller
Mr. and Mrs. Verlin Wichman
Mr. Patrick Gomez
Mr. and Mrs. Michael K. Moore
Ms. Sally Wilson
Ms. Jeanne L. Goodman
Ms. Betty J. Moser
Lynn Wipf
Mr. Thomas Grace
Mr. and Mrs. Rodney T. Nash
Ms. Fern A. Wolney
Mr. and Mrs. Greg Greenwood
Mr. Robert Newman
Mr. and Ms. Rick Yewell
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Gronewaller
Mr. Todd Nincehelser
Mr. Phillip Zimmers
Volunteers
Page 4
Is Meals on Wheels really “more than a meal”?
Having Stage IV cancer and residing in her home, Sally was referred to Meals on Wheels by a hospice care
worker. She did not think Meals on Wheels was necessary or appropriate at her age (early 70’s) and the first
week was very awkward. Living alone, she soon found comfort in the concern for her well-being conveyed
by volunteers. Receiving the meal provided encouragement to eat even when she didn’t feel like it.
One particular day, she could hear a sound she couldn’t quite identify. She finally realized it was the Meals
on Wheels volunteer knocking on the door with her lunch. She was lying on the floor but not wanting to keep
him waiting, she struggled to the door. When she opened the door, the volunteer found her covered in blood
suffering from an open head wound. Alarmed, he immediately called Meals on Wheels, her son was notified
and Sally was taken by ambulance to the hospital. After her release, she was not able to return home for about
a month. Now, back at home, she looks forward to her daily meal delivery.
Ask Sally about her experience on that day and she will tell you she doesn’t remember much of anything
about it. Judging by the scene, she had been injured for several hours and had drifted in and out of
consciousness. What she does remember is a persistent young man who didn’t give up, got her to the door,
took control of a situation in which she had no control and ultimately may have saved her life. Her story is
what Meals on Wheels is all about; undoubtedly it is…“more than a meal”.
Renae Steuart, Program Services Coordinator
I just want you to know how much
I appreciate all that you do. Every
time I call my mother, Bette, she
talks about the lovely meals and the
wonderful people who deliver them.
I live in California and to say you
all are lifesavers is the TRUTH!
Thank you and Blessings to All!
Christine
Thank you to the 38 Community Champions from Shawnee and Jefferson Counties who
participated in the annual “March for Meals” Campaign. Each of these individuals took
time out of their busy day to deliver meals to the clients who receive our service. Not
only did they bring a hot, nutritious meal but also provided a smile and a safety check!
We greatly appreciate the generosity of the Meals on Wheels’ community supporters!
Special Events
Page 5
Please join the Meals on Wheels
2014 Sumptuous Evening
Honorary Chairs, Roger and Karen Viola
at the Annual Sumptuous Evening Gala
Friday, October 24, 2014
6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Ramada Downtown Topeka
A PEEK INTO THE EVENING:
Entertainment by Riley Voth
Wine and spirits
A variety of sumptuous bites from the area’s top caterers and restaurants
Designer table centerpieces will be on display and available
for purchase by Silent Auction
Live Auction
Meals on Wheels needs your help to continue to provide nutritionally balanced meals to
the elderly and homebound individuals in Shawnee and Jefferson Counties. To ensure
that no senior goes hungry, Meals on Wheels needs to raise $137,000 from the event.
To date, $38,750 has been secured in sponsorships. Additional corporations and
individuals are being sought to help reach our goal. Please let us know if you would like
to be a part of our “big” night.
Individual tickets are $75.00 each and sponsorship opportunities are available.
For more information please call Kim at (785) 295-3980.
Thank you!
Page 6
On May 1st, the SW YMCA and North YMCA partnered with Meals on Wheels to provide YMCA members
with a convenient, affordable, healthy meal option. Members may enroll in the Nutrition Program by
choosing from one of the options listed below that best fits their need:
1 month
5 days a week (Monday-Friday)
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Tuesday, Thursday
Saturday, Sunday
Meals are Heart Healthy (low fat, sodium and cholesterol) and provide 1/3 of the daily nutritional
requirements. (averages are 750 Calories, 800-1000 mg Sodium, 30% or less calories from Fat each day).
*This program is not currently funded and will require participants to pay for this service.*
A very special “Thank You” to Bob Evenson from Century Health
Solutions, Inc. Bob presented a “Medicare 101” information session at
the Kanza Café on April 23rd. He discussed all aspects of Medicare and
answered questions from the group. We appreciate you taking the time to
inform our supporters on this topic.
Meals on Wheels would like to thank the Seaman High School
Interact Club and everyone that attended the “Drive Out Hunger”
Car Show that was held on April 26th. The event raised over
$600 to benefit Meals on Wheels. We are very thankful for the
community support!
The 2014 Topeka Gives event that was held on June 3rd, was very successful by raising
$308,824 for 111 non-profit organizations in Topeka. Meals on Wheels was very fortunate
to receive $7,769 dollars from many generous Meals on Wheels supporters! Thank you
very much for your financial support. Your donation will assist in providing hot, nutritious
meals to the most vulnerable seniors and homebound individuals in Shawnee and Jefferson
Counties. Without your assistance, Meals on Wheels would not be able to provide this
valuable community service. Thank you Meals on Wheels donors and the Topeka
Community Foundation!
Home Delivery/Congregate Dining
Home Delivery Program:
Average Number of Meals per Month= 13,434
Average Number of meals per Day= 630
Page 7
Ruth is very grateful for our
meals. She is very weak, and
has no appetite. She stated that
if she didn’t have meals from
us and had to make something
herself, she would probably
give up eating.
Congregate Dining Program:
Average Number of Meals per Month= 6,741
Average Number of Meals per Day= 316
Shawnee and Jefferson County Dining Centers
Topeka
Shawnee County
East Topeka Senior Center
Auburn United Methodist Church
First Apartments
Rossville Senior Center
Highland Park Methodist Church
Silver Lake Senior Complex
LULAC Multipurpose Senior Center
Jefferson County
Papan’s Landing Senior Center
JCM Hospital-Winchester
Santa Fe Apartments
St. Aloysius Catholic ChurchMeriden
Tyler Towers
Valley Falls Senior Center
Page 8
Please become a Meals on Wheels Advocate! Let our elected and appointed officials know how grateful Meals on Wheels
seniors are for their past support and how important their continued support will be to the program in the future.
Topeka City Council
Mayor Larry Wolgast
785.368.3895
Councilwoman Karen Hiller
785.232.2917
Councilman TJ Brown
785.554.1746
Councilwoman Sylvia Ortiz
785.357.0717
Councilwoman Denise Everhart
785.267.4098
Councilwoman Michelle De La Isla
785.368.3710
Councilman Chad Manspeaker
785.220.9493
Councilwoman Elaine Schwartz
785.273.0688
Councilman Nathan Schmidt
816.309.9181
Councilman Richard Harmon
785.271.6962
Shawnee County Commission
Commissioner Shelly Buhler
785.584.6617
Commissioner Kevin Cook
785.215.1003
Commissioner Bob Archer
785.817.8157
State Elected Officials
Governor Sam Brownback
785.296.3232
Shawnee County Legislative
Delegation
Senator Laura Kelly
Statehouse phone: 785.296.7365
Senator Anthony Hensley
Statehouse phone: 785.296.3245
Senator Vicki Schmidt
Statehouse phone: 785.296.7374
Representative Ramon Gonzalez, Jr.
Statehouse phone: 785.296.7500
Representative Joshua Powell
Statehouse phone: 785.296.7674
Representative Ron Highland
Statehouse phone: 785.296.7310
Representative Shanti Gandhi
Statehouse phone: 785.296.7672
Representative Annie Tietze
Statehouse phone: 785.296.7668
Representative Ken Corbet
Statehouse phone: 785.296.7679
Representative Annie Kuether
Statehouse phone: 785.296.7669
Representative Virgil Weigel
Statehouse phone: 785.296.7366
Representative John Alcala
Statehouse phone: 785.296.7371
Representative Harold Lane
Statehouse phone: 785.296.7649
SHAWNEE COUNTY
Cyrene Holt – Treasurer
Connie Hubbell
CITY OF TOPEKA
Karel Ramsey
Connie Spencer - Vice-Chair
Federal Elected Officials
Senator Pat Roberts
785.295.2745
Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins
785.234.5966
Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging
Advisory Council
785.235.1367
CITY OF LAWRENCE
Tamara Cash
JEFFERSON COUNTY
Larry Martin – Chair
Dave Grove
Lynn Luck
SHAWNEE COUNTY
Carol DeGroff Sook
Shirley Bellinder
CITY OF TOPEKA
Kathy Arbogast
Matthew Pettit
Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging
Board of Directors
785.235-1367
DOUGLAS COUNTY
James A. Hills
CITY OF LAWRENCE
Gary D. Hale
Ernest Dyer – Chair
JEFFERSON COUNTY
Tom Ryan
Gary Fowler
Joe Cross
Susan Warriner