2019 Annual Report
Deupree Meals On Wheels Feeds the Body and Spirit
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here are two major benefits of volunteering for Deupree Meals On Wheels: giving and receiving. Giving back to one’s community can create a greater sense of purpose when you know you’re doing something meaningful each day. Volunteering is not just about the self, its about how we can improve others’ lives—both our loved ones, and other people in our community. Deupree Meals On Wheels has a fantastic group of volunteers who come from a variety of different backgrounds and over 14 different ZIP codes in Hamilton County. Their dedication and commitment have made a significant impact on the very positive relationships that we develop with the clients. Last year more volunteers joined our program, thanks to an introduction to the program by Sarah Skinner, who shared a ministry spotlight and then invited people to consider giving their time. In 2019, ERS had 79 Deupree MOW volunteers from the ages of 30 to 80, all of whom want to give back. “I wanted to get involved and expand my ‘handson’ volunteering,” said St. Thomas Rector, The Rev. 18 Linkage Summer 2020
Darren Elin. “While I serve on the ERS Board’s affordable living committee, it is even more of a blessing that this is a ministry in which my wife, Sarah, was very interested in helping, so we were able to deliver meals on a route together on Fridays.” For thousands of people in the Cincinnati region, the desire and need to age in place can come with challenges. The basic need for warm and healthy meals is just one part of the care ERS delivers through Deupree Meals On Wheels. Our operation focuses on client satisfaction with the quality of our services and excellence with the meals. Clients tell us the food we deliver is delicious, but we know they also enjoy the friendly visit. ERS, Deupree Meals On Wheels, and its volunteers invest the time to listen to each client and accept that each senior has unique wants and needs. The support that we provide enables them to remain living in their own homes, where they want to be. Our delivery and support are typically a nutritious meal, a friendly visit, personal items they can’t easily access, and a quick safety check.
Photograph by Gary Kessler
The Rev. Darren Elin and his wife Sarah began volunteering with Deupree Meals On Wheels in 2019.