Fort Bend County and the Central Fort Bend Chamber hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for Fort Bend Seniors (FBS) Meals on Wheels on Thursday, March 30th. Fort Bend County elected officials, local business owners, community leaders, Central Fort Bend Chamber board members and ambassadors joined in celebrating the dedication of the Capital Campaign Building, the Bud Community Center Renovation, the new Meals on Wheels Distribution Kitchen and the new Administration Building.
Speakers included Fort Bend County Judge Bob Herbert, Former Commissioner Richard Morrison, Commissioner Precinct One Vincent Morales, FBS Board
Chairman Ray Aguilar, FBS Vice Chairman Eric Robins and Chief Executive Officer Manuela Arroyos. Judge Bob Hebert welcomed guests and spoke on the history of FBS. “Fort Bend Seniors Meals and Fort Bend County began its partnership in 1974, and today, we are helping seniors remain independent by enhancing their quality of life.” The Judge thanked FBS for their many efforts and stated, “We’re honored to be your community partner and are looking forward to the future of our seniors.”
Former Commissioner Richard Morrison added, “This is the home for our seniors, and we are thankful that FBS is going to stay here in its home base to continue to offer its services.” Fort Bend County Commissioner Vincent Morales of Precinct 1 addressed attendees expressing, “I look forward to working with FBS. Thank you for the services you offer. You have my support, and I thank you for making this facility a reality.” Following the Commissioner, Aguilar shared his passion for the vision of the FBS organization along with Robins. Both encouraged attendees to give more to local seniors and patrons and continue to extend a helping hand. Arroyos closed the program thanking donors who made the organization expansion and other projects possible. “We thank you all for supporting us and know that our friends and neighbors will be here just as they have been for the past 45 years.”
During their first year of service, FBS provided 20,000 hot meals. Through the years, Fort Bend Seniors has evolved and is the only organization that provides Meals on Wheels to all persons 60 years of age and over regardless of income, even though 85 percent of FBS clients live at or below the poverty level. FBS is committed to helping seniors remain independent by enhancing their quality of life through services and resources. FBS provides daily, hot, nutritious meals to seniors ages 60 and older in Fort Bend and Waller counties. Approximately 1,000 meals per day are delivered to the door of homebound seniors, and another 300 meals per day are served at 11 senior center locations throughout Fort Bend and Waller counties. For some seniors, this is the only hot meal they will receive for the day.
Today, FBS provides comprehensive services and programs including Meals on Wheels, congregate meals, transportation, case management, health screenings, information and referral services, recreation and more. Each of these programs and services enable area seniors to remain in their homes and continue to be an integral part of the community for as long as possible.
Visit www.fortbendseniors.org for more information.