Choosing Independence
By Lori Gerhart, VP Advancement
Last month we celebrated the 4th of July – Independence Day – a holiday
that recognizes our forefathers’ decision to make a complete break with
Britain and its King to claim the power of an independent country. The
stirring words of the Declaration of Independence were designed to
inspire and unite Americans by providing a vision of a better life under
self-governance.
The story I am sharing today comes from our friends at Meals on Wheels
America and it embodies the spirit of what it means to reclaim a different
type of independence. Robert is one of the many individuals whose life
has been transformed by Meals on Wheels. Living with a disability that
affects his fine motor skills, Robert faces daily challenges that most of us
might not even think twice about. Simple tasks, like cooking a meal, are
daunting for him due to his difficulty using utensils.
“The simplest things can make me so frustrated,” Robert shares.
Like Robert, many of our local clients have physical limitations that
restrict their ability to prepare and cook meals for themselves. They may
not be able to stand for periods of time or lift pans and cookware. Their
declining eyesight might make it difficult to prepare and cook their own
meals. Meals on Wheels can provide a lifeline for seniors like Robert. A
warm meal arrives at his door delivered by a friendly volunteer, not only nourishing his body but also lifting his spirits. More than just food, Meals on
Wheels brings Robert a sense of independence and dignity that he thought he had lost. With each delivery, Robert gains more than sustenance; he gains the freedom to continue to live his life with dignity, knowing that he is supported
by a community that cares. When asked how Meals on Wheels makes him
feel, Robert summed it up with one word: “Relief”. Independence is defined as self-reliance and autonomy. There are many stories of older adults like Robert. Seniors that are struggling for one reason or another but choose to live independently, many in the homes that they have lived in for years. When you make a donation to Berks Encore today, you support our work to make sure no senior is left behind or forgotten. With the help of our delivery volunteers, we won’t rest until all seniors in need have the chance to reclaim their independence and dignity — just like Robert.
Berks Encore’s volunteers pack and deliver more than 600+ meals each weekday to homebound seniors in Berks County. We are looking for dedicated volunteers to devote one hour per week to help ensure our Reading neighbors in need receive a nutritious meal, a safety check and a friendly visit. Volunteer applications are available on our get involved page on this site. Invite a friend or co-worker to deliver with you. We train our volunteers and runners. It is easy to get started. Contact Michelle Goodhart today at 610-374-3195 ext. 228. We encourage local businesses to recruit a team of employees to help with meal delivery one morning a week, once biweekly or once a month. Volunteering with Berks Encore’s Meals on Wheels program is a great way to give back to the community. Please help! We need you now more than ever!
Please consider a gift to Berks Encore to support local seniors who rely on Meals on Wheels for nutrition, independence and dignity.
