We all age, and we all have a senior in our lives who needs our support—whether they are our own aging parents, a neighbor who lives alone or someone you pass on the street on the way to work. Aging comes with challenges that impact our physical health and emotional well-being in many ways. Sometimes, seniors navigate these challenges on their own, without a helping hand. Meals on Wheels of Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky can be that helping hand for seniors in our community who need support.
That's why we are pleased to have been selected as part of the Target Circle Community Giving program between April 1 and June 30. This impact program lets shoppers vote for local nonprofits through the Target Circle rewards program. At the end of the voting cycle, Target will donate funds to each nonprofit based on how many votes they received.
So, from now until June 30, when you shop at Target as a Target Circle member, you can support the Meals on Wheels mission. Below, read more about the essential services we provide for thousands of seniors throughout 13 counties in Ohio and Kentucky.
Home-Delivered Meals & Congregate Meals
Through Meals on Wheels, older adults can receive a variety of nutritious meals delivered right to their door, helping them stay healthy and independent. We also provide snacks, milk, dairy and bread to meet daily nutritional needs, along with providing a friendly face and wellness check every week. We also partner with senior centers and community centers, offering the opportunity to enjoy weekday group meals with friends. Both services are proven to reduce isolation, provide comfort and support independence for the seniors we serve.
Transportation Services
Just like the rest of us, older adults require transportation on a daily basis. Our drivers assist seniors with getting to medical appointments, grocery stores, social events and local senior centers to enjoy meals. Our vehicles are designed specifically for transporting older adults, and our drivers receive specialized training to provide “door-to-door” transportation for seniors with mobility challenges.
Social Services
Meals on Wheels team members include licensed social workers who ensure seniors receive the care and support every person deserves. Our team assists clients with daily needs like sorting and responding to mail, scheduling important appointments and paying utility bills. They make sure seniors are safe in their homes and can access essential resources that prioritize their quality of life. We provide legal guardianship for seniors if the time comes when they might find it challenging to make their own decisions.
Social Connection Programs
Recognizing that wellness goes beyond nutrition, Meals on Wheels provides a variety of ways for seniors to stay active, sharpen their minds and keep them connected. Seniors can go on group outings to have a nice meal together, enjoy exercise classes, participate in community events and experience lifelong learning. From art, chess and even Tai Chi classes, to self-care and “Tech Talk” sessions, seniors enjoy a wide variety of enriching activities to support continued education. Through the Digital Connect program, older adults learn the basics of using a tablet, from caring for the device to browsing safely, emailing and keeping in touch with friends and family. When they finish the program, they keep to keep tablet and have access to tech support.
Pet Support
Many people see their pets as part of their family, and our seniors are no different. Caring for a pet makes them feel healthier, more comfortable, less lonely and far happier. Along with their weekly meal delivery through Meals on Wheels, seniors can receive pet food for their dogs and/or cats. If seniors might not be able to care for a pet themselves, but they still want a furry friend to keep them company, we offer robotic therapeutic pets that move and make sounds just like real pets. Whether artificial or living, pets provide important companionship to seniors.
OTR Senior Center
Just as young adults have clubs to gather and socialize, our senior center provides a lively space for older adults to build friendships and stay in touch with the community. Often described by seniors as a “family-oriented” atmosphere and a home away from home, Meals on Wheels’ OTR Senior Center offers a place for seniors to take group trips together, play games, and enjoy meals. A fan-favorite activity is the annual Reds Opening Day celebration, in which seniors don their Reds apparel and spend the day playing games and watching the Opening Day parade. Beyond just fun and games, seniors can also find some education at the Senior Center, like presentations on navigating various aspects of life as an older adult.
Between now and June 30, your everyday shopping routine can help support the seniors in our community who need it most. Just open the Target app, tap “Cast Votes,” select our organization and you’ve officially helped provide care and security in the lives of local seniors. It’s simple free, and only takes a few seconds. Give it a try today!
