Dear friends of Senior Resources,
As I shared with you last month, Senior Resources continues to see increased needs in our community for our older adult neighbors. The most visible sign of this increase can be seen in our Meals on Wheels waiting list, which currently stands at 228 people, an increase of more than 500% from this time last year.
Senior Resources is actively working to address these needs and prevent that number from rising further. I am amazed and humbled at those who took our call to action last month to heart. In the last month we have seen increased advocacy to elected leaders, monetary and food contributions, volunteer participation, and words of encouragement that are moving the needle. This would not have been possible without the outpouring of support from donors and volunteers like you. Your generosity and commitment have been a beacon of hope during these challenging times. Together, we have shown that when we come together as a community, we can make a profound impact on the lives of those who need it most. Through your support and generosity we have sent boxes upon boxes of food to individuals on our waiting list to meet their critical needs the best we can until daily service can begin.
In addition, I am delighted to share encouraging news with you, at the recent Richland County third budget reading, a motion was made and passed (8-3) to restore our funding to pre-COVID levels (after an initial budget draft proposed a hefty cut). Thanks to the advocacy of our community and the support of our council members, we have secured the necessary resources to prevent reductions in Meals on Wheels service levels that would have further expanded our waiting list as we head into a new fiscal year on July 1.
However, our work is far from over. As we strive to move all seniors off the waiting list for Meals on Wheels, and fully support all services that keep seniors healthy and independent, we urgently need your continued support.
- Volunteer to help us stretch every dollar further and serve more seniors in need.
- Advocate to elected leaders to ensure sustainable funding mechanisms going forward (federal, state, and local). As an informed constituent in your district, your voice makes all of the difference. Statewide, organizations serving our elderly neighbors are facing similar funding concerns.
- Make a monetary donation or host a food drive of pantry items.
Thank you once again for your unwavering support and commitment to our cause. Together, we are making a difference—one meal, one volunteer, and one home at a time.
Warm regards,
Andrew Boozer
Executive Director
