“Meals on Wheels” Needs More Volunteers :: Package, Deliver, or Serve a Meal on a Schedule That Works for YOU!

WICentralTimeNEWSeditor,

Written by Erin Wells & Ronda James

What if YOU could receive:

  • More happiness and reduced depression
  • Increased mental functionality
  • Increased length of life
  • Reduced chronic pain and risk of disease
  • . . . AND make a big difference in our community?

Well, you can!

Research points to all these health benefits from volunteering — regardless of one’s socioeconomic status or health history. Plus, volunteering has been shown to provide even more significant benefit for older adults (that is, those aged 60+ years).

Volunteer-infographic

If you’re looking to make a difference in your life AND the lives of those in your community, the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin (ADRC-CW) invites you and your loved ones to get involved.

If volunteering isn’t something you can commit to right now, please share this information with someone in your life who might benefit from volunteering.

Maybe you know:

  • Someone who is newly retired.
  • Someone who needs to find an outlet to feel more connected to the community.
  • Someone who needs to find a sense of purpose.

The ADRC-CW provides a variety of volunteer opportunities to meet that need, such as:

  • Packaging “Meals on Wheels” — Volunteers help to package meals that will be delivered that same day. In Wausau, meals are packaged 8:15 – 10:00 a.m. Monday – Friday. Volunteers can help out one day a week or even one day a month. Seasonal volunteers are also welcome!
  • Delivering “Meals on Wheels” — Volunteer drivers take their own vehicle to deliver meals in the community. Routes take about 1 to 1 ½ hours Monday – Friday. Volunteers pick up the meals at 10:30 a.m. and are done between 11:30 and 12:00 p.m. Volunteers can help out once a week, twice a month, once a month, or on schedule that works best for them.
ADRC Meals on Wheels Volunteers
Meals on Wheels volunteers Deb Lange (left) and Sherry Halsey (right) delivering meals to community members. (Photos courtesy of Erin Wells.)
  • Leading a Group or Adult Learning — Volunteers can lead groups in evidenced-based programs such as caregiving/support, chronic conditions, and fall prevention. Volunteers lead 1 – 2 classes a year (classes are approximately 3 hours once a week for a 6-week series).
  • Serving Lunch at a Senior Dining Site — Volunteers help to set up the dining room, lead activities with the participants, serve the meal, and clean up afterward. No cooking is done on-site. Lunch is available Monday – Friday, and help is needed from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Schedules vary depending on the volunteer’s availability.

We invite you to watch this local news video about volunteering with ADRC-CW to help us continue to do the important work we do for area community members.

For more information on getting involved with the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin, visit us at www.adrc-cw.org or call 888-486-9545.

ADRC Volunteer with 2 Meals on Wheels Customers
ADRC Meals on Wheels volunteer Laura Malzahn delivers a meal to Dorothy (left) and Romelle (right). (Photos courtesy of Erin Wells.)

And if you’re looking to make a difference in our community but these volunteer tasks aren’t a good fit, we have some great resources to recommend to help you find your niche:

  • Visit the United Way of Marathon County website (or call Krista at United Way at 715-298-5719) to learn about hundreds of volunteer opportunities available throughout Marathon County. The friendly folks at United Way’s Volunteer Center are sure to find you that “just right” fit for your interests and availability!
  • Visit the North Central Health Care website (or contact Volunteer Services at NCHC at 715-848-4450) for several opportunities to volunteer with nursing home residents, from helping with Bingo to traveling with a resident as a companion to an appointment. There are several opportunities to match interests of all ages and abilities!
  • Visit VolunteerMatch.com to use a search portal specially designed to connect you with an area nonprofit in need of volunteers.

The need for volunteers in our local community is great . . .
Please consider how you can help yourself AND your community today!

Erin_WellsErin Wells

ADRC-CW Community Resources Manager  |  Aging & Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin

Erin Wells is the Community Resources Manager at the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin (ADRC-CW). Erin collaborates with community partners to promote and enhance prevention, wellness, and independence of older adults and persons with disabilities. She also develops ADRC-CW initiatives to welcome and support volunteers throughout the region.  Email Erin Wells.

Ronda_JamesRonda James

Nutrition Program Director  |  Aging & Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin

Ronda James is the ADRC-CW Senior Nutrition Program Director.  She coordinates dining services for seniors age 60+ at 14 senior dining locations and Meals on Wheels delivery for seniors age 60+ who are homebound and unable to prepare meals.  Email Ronda James.

The ADRC-CW serves older adults and adults with disabilities in Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, and Wood Counties.

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