As a teenager, Curry began volunteering with Meals on Wheels—a program delivering meals to people who are unable to buy or prepare a meal on their own, many of whom are older adults. In 1974, with her father, Cookie was one of the founding members of the HOA – Meals on Wheels program started in Sealy.
Decades later, Curry is the executive director of the program and still a believer in the importance of HOA, which stands for “Helping One Another.” “That was the drive behind me volunteering and going on to work here - and I’m still loving it,” Curry said.
As one of the key programs offered to senior citizens of Austin County, HOA plays a pivotal role in the community, offering two types of meal service: congregate and home-delivered.
Congregate meals are eaten in a group setting allowing for social interaction. Those over 60 gather to play games, have parties and build a sense of community. Colorado Valley Transit provides free rides for Austin and Waller County seniors to HOA’s congregate location on Frydek Road. A fare card is required. Congregate meals are served at noon Monday through Friday free of charge, with donations accepted.
Home-delivered meals are delivered to homebound seniors over 60 who are unable to prepare a noon meal for themselves due to a disability. Meals are delivered Monday through Friday and are free, with donations accepted.
In addition to a hot, nutritionally balanced meal, HOA volunteers deliver vital human contact to older adults who live alone and may not have any living relatives or family close by. Volunteers also conduct welfare checks when needed.
“Many seniors are on a very fixed income. Some have lost a spouse and they're living now on one income, which puts a strain on finances, so they're able to get one hot meal a day and have physical contact, talk to somebody, see somebody - a face to check on them,” Curry said. “We are a daily contact that lets them know, we care.”
Trio Community Meals, a nationwide vendor of healthy meals to seniors and people with disabilities, supplies the meals HOA provides its seniors. All meals consist of meat, two vegetables, bread, milk, and a dessert that is overseen by a dietician who creates a monthly menu. Those with food allergies or other dietary concerns can request substitutions.
HOA also offers other health services, including telephone reassurance, caregiver respite, emergency response systems, health screening & monitoring, home modifications, and legal and personal assistance.
Comprised of a small paid staff of five, HOA receives referrals for its services from hospitals, medical offices and home health organizations, as well as friends, family and neighbors.
Operational assistance comes from a few subsidy grants and the federal government, which provides funding to the Houston-Galveston Area Council, which in turn disperses those funds among 13 regions.
Curry said HOA has an active list of around 210 volunteers but many—though trained and certified to deliver meals—are seasonal helpers. HOA assists about 300 area seniors, which translates to approximately 4,200 meals delivered every month, making daily volunteers essential.
“It’s a very rewarding program - it just makes you feel good, and the seniors are so appreciative,” said Judith Koeppen, a Sealy resident and HOA volunteer who has delivered meals off and on for the last ten years. “It's very nice to be able to meet new people and to hopefully bring a little happiness into their lives.”
Volunteers must be 17 years or older, agree to a background check and have a current driver’s license with auto insurance. Children under 17 can help deliver meals with a volunteer parent or guardian. Schools and businesses are also encouraged to volunteer and/or donate. For more information on how to donate or become a volunteer, call HOA – Meals on Wheels at 979-885-4188 or visit their website.
ADDITIONAL AREA SENIOR PROGRAMS:
Colorado Valley Transit (CVT) System
Austin County’s public transit system offers a Demand Response Service program to meet the transportation needs of its older adults through the Colorado Valley Transit bus service. This program allows passengers the flexibility to schedule rides in advance with structured fares that vary based on the distance of the trip. Seniors are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling their rides at least one day in advance. Fares range from $1-$5. The service is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for door-to-door or curb-to-curb pickup. Call CVT at 979-732-6281 or visit the website for more information.
Techo Tuesday
Gordon Memorial Library offers Techo Tuesday for the community’s older citizens, who are welcome to stop in and ask questions on how to save passwords, add apps to cell phones, send email attachments, load programs, etc. Sessions are from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the last Tuesday of the month. Equipment/device repair is NOT offered. Call 979-885-7469 or email [email protected] for more information.
Gym Membership
Sealy Therapy & Wellness offers an age 65+ individual monthly membership for $39.99. For information call 979-627-7774.
Seniorliving.org
Chock-full of knowledge and tips on resources for seniors and caregivers, this informative site gathers intel from sources such as official government websites, senior care studies, and their research team of experts. The site contains a list of more than 100 businesses nationwide—many in conjunction with AARP—that offer senior discounts ranging from retail, restaurants, and groceries to cruises, hotel and car rentals, and transportation, phone and internet services. Be sure to also check out their guide to 13 Things That Are Free for Seniors.
About the Writer
Lakendra Lewis is a freelance writer and book editor based in San Antonio, Texas. Her articles focus on the arts, including music, theater, television, and film. She also has a passion for telling other people's stories. Lakendra’s articles have appeared in a variety of South Texas publications, including Edible San Antonio Magazine, Latino Leaders Magazine, The Texas Observer, and RIO Magazine.
Comment
Comments