LuAnn Oatman, President of Berks Encore, Appointed Chairman of Meals on Wheels America Board
PRESS RELEASE
READING, PA— FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LuAnn Oatman, President of Berks Encore, Appointed Chairman of Meals on Wheels America Board
Berks Encore is proud to announce that LuAnn Oatman, President and CEO, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Board for Meals on Wheels America, a national organization that has been at the forefront of combating senior hunger and social isolation for 50 years. Since 2020, LuAnn has been an active member of the Meals on Wheels America Board of Directors and recently served as Chairperson for Meals on Wheels Pennsylvania.
With nearly two decades of leadership at Berks Encore, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing essential services such as Meals on Wheels to Berks County residents, LuAnn has guided staff and volunteers in promoting aging with confidence. Beyond meal delivery, Berks Encore offers health and wellness programs, activities offered at six seniors centers, grocery shopping assistance, and Medicare enrollment support. In 2020, she spearheaded the launch of Care+, a full-service caregiver support program designed to help families care for loved ones aging at home. LuAnn is also working with local healthcare providers to introduce Be Nourished, a new program offering medically tailored meals for patients with diabetes and heart disease. LuAnn shared, “I am deeply honored to be elected as Chair of the Board for Meals on Wheels America. This organization plays a vital role in ensuring that our most vulnerable seniors receive not only nutritious meals but also the human connection they so greatly need. I am committed to advancing their goal to “End the Wait” for homebound older adults. I look forward to working with their dedicated staff and partners to continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.”
Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America shared, “As Meals on Wheels America celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024, the organization is reflecting on five decades of making a significant impact in communities across the country. Meals on Wheels America has been instrumental in supporting local programs like Berks Encore through national partnerships, advocacy, and funding initiatives that have raised millions of dollars to deliver meals and companionship to older adults. Despite challenges, including insufficient federal funding and growing demand, Meals on Wheels America remains committed to expanding its reach and ensuring that every senior in need receives the services they deserve.”
In her new role as Chairman, LuAnn will continue to lead efforts to strengthen the Meals on Wheels network, focusing on innovative partnerships and policy changes that will enhance the lives of seniors nationwide. Together with Meals on Wheels America, Berks Encore is dedicated to creating a future where every older adult can age with dignity, security, and support.
ABOUT MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA
Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. Powered by a trusted volunteer workforce, this network delivers a comprehensive solution that begins with a meal and is proven to enable independence and well-being through the additional benefits of tailored nutrition, social connection, safety and much more. By providing funding, programming, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.
Berks Encore is the Berks County provider for home delivery of Meals on Wheels. Meals are delivered from six senior community Wellness and Activity centers located in Douglassville, Fleetwood, Reading, Shillington, Strausstown, and Wernersville.
