Latest news with #MealsOnWheels
Fast Company
20-06-2025
- General
- Fast Company
Optimize messaging to stand out during a chaotic news cycle
In today's media environment, even the most compelling stories risk being drowned out by the sheer volume of breaking news, commentary, and developments. Each hour seems to bring a new wave of headlines and alerts. The pace and amount of information in this nonstop news cycle makes it increasingly difficult for mission-driven organizations to rise above the noise and make their voices heard. For Meals on Wheels America, the leadership organization supporting more than 5,000 community-based organizations delivering vital services to vulnerable seniors, breaking through this noise isn't just a communications challenge—it's critical to our mission to ensure that every senior in America can live a nourished life with independence and dignity. Fortunately, Meals on Wheels is a well-known and respected brand. But with that recognition comes responsibility, to communicate with clarity, purpose, and precision. We must remain relevant while creating lasting impact. Often, this means rapidly assessing how new developments or decisions affect our network as a whole, then striking a careful balance in our messaging. We need to inform without alarming—communicating clearly when actions would harm Meals on Wheels providers, without sensationalizing the message or creating unnecessary chaos across the network. We're always thinking about the seniors we serve and avoiding undue panic that could make them worry about where their next meal will come from. The changing rules of engagement The rules of engagement have changed in today's environment. It's not just what you say, but how, when, and where you say it that determines whether your message sticks or gets lost amid the overwhelming barrage of content. I've learned in recent months that the noise isn't going to stop, so we must become more strategic, agile, and intentional in our communication. Here are four key lessons I've learned in our efforts to make Meals on Wheels America stand out in this media landscape: 1. Lead with authenticity In a world fatigued by constant misinformation, people crave honesty. While urgency is often necessary, overreliance on crisis language can desensitize audiences. Instead, clearly articulating why an issue matters now—grounded in authentic, relatable experiences and stories—builds a stronger, lasting connection that will resonate with your audiences. 2. Elevate your organization's unique value With countless causes and organizations competing for attention, differentiation is crucial. What makes your organization essential and why should people care? For us, it's not just that we deliver meals, it's that we provide a lifeline that keeps seniors healthier, connected, independent at home, and out of more costly alternatives. When I explain that for many seniors, a Meals on Wheels volunteer is the only human contact they have all week, something clicks for people and they get it. 3. Be transparent, especially when you don't have all the answers Trust is earned and built through honesty, even when the picture is incomplete. Acknowledging what you don't yet know while sharing how you're working toward solutions builds far more credibility than pretending to have all the answers. Transparency positions you as a reliable source—someone who values truth over conjecture, choosing to gather facts before offering conclusions. Our organization recently had to leap into action when a leaked government memo suggested our network's sources of federal funding would be frozen. We were receiving conflicting reports and couldn't get a clear answer on whether we would be impacted. When journalists started coming to us for clarity, we had to be honest: We didn't know, and that was the root of the problem! Leaked information was causing chaos, and suddenly, we were working with reporters to be a resource to one another, sharing information as we learned it. 4. Embrace creativity In a crowded landscape, it's often bold and unconventional storytelling that yields the biggest impact. By stepping outside the bounds of traditional advocacy, organizations can capture attention and inspire action. Equally important is humanizing your message—putting real faces to the challenges you highlight. This not only contextualizes complex issues, but also makes them more relatable, urgent, and emotionally resonant with everyday audiences. Rethink messaging Consider our recent message highlighting the positive economic impact for U.S. tax payers of investing in Meals on Wheels. While compassion drives our mission, data matters too, especially in policy-focused environments. By framing our work in terms of cost savings to taxpayers, like reducing the need for hospital and long-term care facility stays, we're adding a pragmatic, fact-based layer to our story. It's messaging that resonates among policymakers and the media. Additionally, we built our new creative campaign, ' On Hold ' around a universally relatable experience, to break through and drive increased awareness and urgency around senior hunger and isolation. The campaign creative brings this to life by matching all the hallmarks of being on hold—the annoying music, the impersonal prerecorded response—with growing frustration. The feeling becomes so visceral that our seniors start physically manifesting it. This unexpected approach brings cultural relevance to a serious issue while reinforcing our key message: Our seniors have been left on hold, waiting for America to care for far too long. It's time to answer the call and start prioritizing our seniors. In this congested media environment, we also need strategic storytelling, delivered intentionally across the right channels, in the right format, to the right audience. For organizations like ours, success means staying authentic while continuously emphasizing both the emotional and practical value of our work. It's equally vital to illustrate the 'why' and to clearly show what's at stake if local providers don't receive the federal funding on which they rely. Ultimately, the noise isn't going away, but neither will our determination to ensure that the needs of the seniors we serve are heard loud and clear. By optimizing and refining our messaging strategies, embracing creative risks, and staying attuned to what audiences truly care about, we can and will continue to make a meaningful impact, even amid the most turbulent news cycles.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
7 Free and Discounted Services You Didn't Know Were Available to Social Security Recipients
You've worked hard, you've earned your income, and now you're ready for life to be a bit easier. You're ready for the doors to open and the sun to shine as it should. Once you start collecting your Social Security check, you should be able to take it a little easier. Read More: Find Out: The good news is that many organizations agree with this. Several programs make food, transportation, and fun all free or cheap for Social Security recipients. Here are the top seven free or discounted programs that you may not have known were offered to Social Security recipients. There's something so wonderful about farmers' markets. You get to get outside, mingle with your community, and get fresh, delicious food. It's not all fruits and vegetables, either. You might find local honey, amazing baked goods, and even a great cup of coffee. The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program wants America's seniors to get out, move around, and get healthy food. That's why low-income seniors get discount cards that will ensure they can buy from farmers' markets, roadside stands, and local farms at significant discounts. All you have to do is sign up and get out there. See Next: But what if you can't get out there? It happens. It may be that you're not moving around as well as you used to. It might even be a temporary situation, just until you get in better shape. Fear not. Meals on Wheels is a program that will make sure you get the good food and nutrition you need while you're more housebound than usual. The organization delivers food to victims of natural disasters and seniors who struggle to leave their homes. Many social security recipients can't get to the grocery store, or even afford enough groceries to feed themselves as much as they need. Or, you might not be in a position to cook and prepare healthy food. You need to keep your energy and health up to par. That's where Meals on Wheels comes in. The food is hearty, healthy, and delivered with a smile. Still, even if you don't have your vehicle, you can still get out. That's thanks to the transportation services available to seniors and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center operates in all 50 states and ensures people without transportation, on social services, like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and SSI, can still get to where they need or want to go. While many seniors and individuals with disabilities can use public transportation and receive discounts, others are unable to do so. It might be a case of living in a rural area, or you might be in a neighborhood without a close bus line. In any event, your community should offer a supplemental service like Dial-a-Ride, volunteer transportation, or assisted transportation. Federal grants fund these programs, so they're free to social security recipients. If you want to get out, you should be able to. Speaking of getting out, fitness is essential at every age and for every ability. It's good for your body and your brain, and it can even help improve symptoms of many disabilities and aid in healthier aging. And you can start a new fitness plan at any age. Many seniors realize they need to lift more weights and do more cardio once they retire. Social Security recipients on Medicare Advantage are eligible for a program called Silver Sneakers. This plan gets you access to thousands of gyms, churches, and other fitness programs across the country. And you can find a class or program that works for you. You'll find everything from yoga and swimming to Zumba or just plain old gym equipment on the gym floor. It's a pain to pay your taxes every year. Not only might you have to come up with cash to pay what you owe, but you also have to put your documents in order and pay a preparer. It's too much. Well, the federal government agrees with you. Thanks to the VITA program, you may qualify for free tax help. It is particularly aimed at: People with disabilities People making less than $65,000 People aged 60 or older Not only will you get free tax preparation, but you'll be able to trust that these services are reliable as they're certified through the IRS. Thinking of going back to school? Why not? Many seniors start a whole new life after retirement, and it can often begin with a few community college courses. Every state in the United States has universities and community colleges that offer free or steeply discounted courses to senior citizens. You might explore a subject you've always been fascinated by, or you could go back to school to build on your existing education. One of the greatest advantages of being older is the wisdom you get from life experiences. Building on that wisdom with an academic education can only be a win. But academic education is not the only kind. The arts are, after all, what keep humans … well … human. And the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) feels the same way. That's why the NEA offers free access to thousands of museums across the country for seniors and people with disabilities. And if you don't feel like exploring beauty inside, you can always take advantage of the National Parks' offer to explore one of the many natural beauties around the country. The National Park Service offers free passes to Social Security recipients, so you can spend your golden years chasing some of the country's most magnificent waterfalls for free. More From GOBankingRates How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Every State? This article originally appeared on 7 Free and Discounted Services You Didn't Know Were Available to Social Security Recipients
The Herald
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald
Forty graduates turn conservation training into economic opportunity
Forty youths and women received certificates on Thursday in Bloemfontein for completing a community-based training programme hosted by Meals on Wheels in partnership with SANParks as part of a growing initiative to tackle youth unemployment, food insecurity and economic inequality in South Africa. The training focused on agriculture, food preservation, leather and beauty product manufacturing, supported by the government and private sector partners. It aims to equip vulnerable community members with hands-on skills to start their own businesses and build self-sufficiency. Seiso Mohai, deputy minister of agriculture, land reform and rural development, applauded the graduates for embracing an opportunity that links conservation with job creation. 'We must begin to see agriculture and biodiversity not only as tools for survival but as platforms for innovation and growth. What we are witnessing today is not just a graduation but a shift in how we build resilience in our rural communities,' said Mohai. Skumsa Nthanga, SANParks head of socioeconomic transformation and Vision 2040 project lead, told TimesLIVE that the programme's purpose is to empower communities, especially those near biodiversity-rich landscapes, to reclaim their heritage through sustainable economic activity. 'We want to see beneficiaries establish and run their own enterprises. Our national parks are in remote areas with limited job opportunities. This programme is about closing that gap,' she added. One of the graduates, Thulisa Mnqabisa from Nomathamsanqa, said she closed her beauty salon to join the training. 'I wanted to learn how to develop my own beauty products and eventually use them in my salon,' she said. Mnqabisa told TimesLIVE that she now plans to manufacture and distribute her beauty products to BnB houses and hotels. 'The knowledge I got here will help me employ others in my community. That's the dream.'
CBC
27-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Province obtains court order to recover $144K from agency for client hotel stays
Social Sharing The Alberta government is trying to recover nearly $144,000 in costs from the social service agency that made headlines last year for having its clients placed in hotel rooms after they were discharged from hospital. The province obtained a judgment against the Contentment Social Services Foundation in March after making numerous attempts to contact people involved with the agency last fall. Alberta's former ministry of seniors, community and social Services, now known as Assisted Living and Social Services, outlined the costs in a statement of claim filed in November. They include $82,730 owed to the Park Inn by Radisson in Leduc for room bookings, additional costs and damages, $42,908 to Mainstreet Equity Corporation for apartments the agency rented for clients and $14,569 for Meals on Wheels, which was contracted after the government found clients at the hotel. Contentment Social Services did not file a statement of defence in response. The court judgment also includes costs incurred by the law firm contracted by the government and the process server during the attempts to find officials from Contentment Social Services. CBC News first reported in March 2024 how a stroke patient who was discharged from the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton was placed in a hotel room instead of the long-term care facility he thought he was going to. His wife said he had difficulties getting to the washroom in his wheelchair and that he was being fed fast food. The province stepped in to help 39 people under the care of Contentment Social Services find appropriate places to live. The Alberta government conducted investigations into the matter and evidence of possible criminal fraud was forwarded to Edmonton Police. In March, Shum Shabat Yousouf, the former director of Contentment Social Services, was charged with fraud over $5,000 and theft over $5,000.
CBS News
26-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Tarrant County Meals on Wheels continues delivering promises despite budget cuts
People who visit Meals on Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County will quickly learn while the organization prioritizes delivering healthy meals to scores of homebound, elderly, disabled, and food-insecure clients across the region, their mission is also about building community. "No client is alike [and] most of them are all seniors, they're disabled, they're homebound…they all have that common need and that's to be fed," said Philip Gonzalez, marketing and communications manager, as he peered into the prep kitchen where many of the meals are made. Just weeks ago, the organization was facing a $450,000 budget cut that would have led to the possible suspension of several support services, though funding for home-delivered meals was reportedly not in jeopardy. "I'd hate to think what would happen to some of our clients if we weren't there to feed them," he added. While plans for those local cuts were later reversed, it reflects widespread concerns about rising costs and constant concerns that critical funding for Meals on Wheels could be on the chopping block. National leaders continue to advocate for more funding to support the critical needs of vulnerable populations. "[This] is a pivotal moment when we cannot leave America's seniors behind. It's time to invest in Meals on Wheels as a proven solution to senior hunger and isolation rather than put the health, well-being and independence of older Americans in jeopardy," said Ellie Hollander, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels. Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County said the generous help they receive from the community allows them to offer other important services in addition to meals, like safety checks and social connections for older adults even as the demand for their basic services increases. "We maximize every dollar, no matter where it comes from to try to feed as many people as possible, and through the help of this generous community we have never had a waiting list," said Alissa Denton, who was recently named as the new president and CEO for Tarrant County. "A whole year's worth of Meals on Wheels is less than one day at the hospital, so we know that the work that we're doing and providing helps people stay healthy and happy in their homes," said Deaton. In a recent interview with CBS News Texas, staff members said there is a growing need for more volunteers for a wide range of activities, including open meal delivery routes as the summer months roll in. Routing Coordinator Courtney Lynch pointed to a large area map on the wall in her office. "Every dot is someone that receives a meal across Tarrant County each day. There are 271 routes, there are roughly 4,000 clients a day that we deliver to," she said. Gonzalez said some of the organization's critical needs can be met through the help of a short volunteer commitment each week. "It's that sense of giving. It doesn't take long, and it doesn't take much to smile at somebody and to say, 'Hi, how are you?'," he said. "That means so much to them." Anyone interested in volunteering and delivering meals can click here.
