Posted on Aug 31, 2015 in
FEATURES
Senior Jesús Ramos dancing the morning away!
The Best Senior Secret in Fort Bend –
Did you know that one of the oldest non-profit organizations in Fort Bend will provide 340,000 hot meals in 2015 to people 60 years of age and over in the program, regardless of income?
What many do not know is that 62 percent of Fort Bend Seniors’ clients live at or are below the poverty level with household incomes under $15,000. These are often married couples where both seniors have health issues. Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels is Fort Bend’s best senior secret, as it does so much for these seniors who have limited resources.
Fort Bend Seniors was established in 1974 by community leaders. During its first year of service, the organization provided 20,000 hot meals to seniors. By 1976, the program became a non-profit organization, and in 1981, Fort Bend Seniors joined the United Way of Texas Gulf Coast. Today, the non-profit is a United Way agency and is accredited through the Meals on Wheels America as a Certified Nutritional Program. This program includes three types of meal services: home-delivered meals, emergency shelf-stable meals and congregate meals.
“We are currently expanding our facilities and services to ensure that no senior in our community goes hungry,” said Manuela Arroyos, Chief Executive Officer of Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels. “Our growth will undoubtedly be a success with the continuous support of our community.”
Shirley and Glenn Brothers enjoying Fort Bend Seniors festivities.
Over time, Fort Bend Seniors has grown and now provides meals to over 1,000 seniors daily from nine site locations throughout Fort Bend County, as well as a site in Waller County. “The seniors we serve have sacrificed so much, and the meal we deliver to them may be their only meal for the day,” said Ray Aguilar, board chairman. Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels also provides comprehensive services and programs, including Meals on Wheels, congregate meals, transportation, case management, health screenings, information and referral services, recreation and more.
All of these programs and services support area seniors to stay in their homes and remain an essential part of the community. Fort Bend Seniors provides congregate meals five days per week at all of their locations in Fort Bend and Waller counties. Fort Bend County Transportation and Legacy Ford work with Fort Bend Seniors to provide transportation for seniors to deliver meals and to attend activities. “The average Meals on Wheels participant is 78 years-old, and many are veterans or spouses of veterans who need assistance with daily living,” said Rene Casanova, volunteer coordinator.
Activities at the senior centers include meals, nutrition education, age-appropriate education, field trips, arts and crafts, bingo, dancing and holiday events, as well as veteran recognition events, all of which provide seniors the opportunity to socialize and have some fun. “Bringing seniors to the centers for an opportunity to be with others is sometimes the best medicine,” said Namita Ashtana, Fort Bend Seniors board member.
To volunteer, call 281-633-7053 or email rene@fortbendseniors.org.
Upcoming Event
Fort Bend Seniors’ major fundraising event of the year, the Mad Hatter Adventure, takes place Friday, October 30th from 6:30 to 10 pm at Safari Texas Ranch. The Alice in Wonderland themed event will feature a casino party, a Mad Hatter hat contest, music, dinner and live and silent auctions.
For more information, contact 281-633-7057 or lori@fortbendseniors.org.
To share your ideas for upcoming cultural stories and events, contact Cultural Correspondent Zeenat Kassam Mitha at zeenat@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
