JUNE 2025 | IN THIS ISSUE
nourish and deliver
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATES
Learn more about plans for our agency and delve into the strategic goals we are setting to better serve our community
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHTS
Meet some of the incredible individuals who display the true meaning of providing “more than a meal” to the seniors we serve
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Learn more about how we are helping our clients prepare for South Florida’s upcoming storm season!
TOGETHER, WE CAN DELIVER!
Our volunteers transform the lives of many older adults in Broward County. As they deliver nutritious meals to doorsteps, they alleviate not only hunger but also loneliness. Their presence and care greatly contribute to the well-being of the community, providing hope every day.
Volunteer News Feed
Since 1984, Meals on Wheels South Florida has been a trusted and vital 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, dedicated to restoring purpose, identity, and hope to seniors in need within our community
It is only with YOUR incredible support as a volunteer that we continue to uphold our core values:
Mission: To end hunger for seniors across Broward County with kindness, dignity, and compassion.
Goal: Together, we can deliver
Integrity: We consistently uphold the highest moral and ethical standards and honor our commitments.
Excellence: We act with courage, hold ourselves accountable, and achieve results at the highest level of performance.
Volunteers Make a Difference
Kristabel and Edward from Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick’s office are beaming with joy as they get ready to deliver meals to a client in Tamarac, accompanied by Toni Thornton. Since 2020, Toni has been a committed volunteer with Meals on Wheels South Florida.
Exciting Updates from Our Executive Director!
We have many exciting things happening at our agency, and we're thrilled to share them with you.
We are delighted to welcome Wendy Bourgault, our new Executive Director, who joined us in January 2025! Under her leadership, we've already begun implementing several exciting changes to our operations.
Here's a glimpse of what's to come:
Mobile Phone App: Get ready to go paperless! We're rolling out a new mobile app that will send your routes directly to your smartphone. This interactive app will allow you to monitor your deliveries in real-time, and we'll be able to track progress from the office. All volunteers will need access to a smartphone for this process. Training sessions will be scheduled soon, preferably in person, so that we can meet you! More details will follow.
Optimizing Our Delivery Mechanism: While our agency is always in need of regular delivery volunteers, we're exploring alternative methods for one-time or emergency meal deliveries. Currently, we utilize DoorDash or staff for these urgent needs, and our Executive Director is focused on making significant improvements in this area.
Becoming a Donor-Based Agency: Since 2023, we no longer receive funding through the Older Americans Act (federal grants). This means we're now a donor-based agency, relying on the generosity of individuals and organizations. We'll be reaching out to all our volunteers during our annual giving campaign to help us convey the importance of giving more effectively to the community.
More updates...
Encouraging More Volunteers to Become Board Members: Meals on Wheels South Florida is actively seeking dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors. Your insights and commitment can help guide our agency's goals through innovative governance, creative development ideas, and unique perspectives. Your skills could be just what we need as we face the future!
Background Checks and Identity Services: To continue ensuring the safety and security of our clients, staff, and volunteers, we are implementing a process for background checks and fingerprinting for all volunteers. Stay tuned for more information.
Orientation and Training: In-person orientations are currently held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. However, our office will work with volunteers if these times don't fit your schedule. We will also be re-implementing semi-annual or annual training sessions to keep all volunteers updated and informed. PLUS, we’ll be creating training videos to keep you updated regularly.
Volunteer Shirts and IDs: We want everyone to know who our volunteers are, and we think having a beautiful Meals on Wheels T-shirt would be FABULOUS. We are seeking special donors to sponsor shirts and equipment for our volunteers.
Volunteer Spotlight
what inspires us...
Our volunteers are truly the heart and soul of Meals on Wheels South Florida! Each quarter, we'll highlight some amazing volunteers, and we're thrilled to introduce our first four! We recently spoke to some of these superstars about why they chose to give their time to Meals on Wheels South Florida.
Francis Chu
Although Francis just started with us in May, he has already proven his dedication by delivering two days per week –Mondays and Wednesdays.
Mr. Chu, like all our volunteers, understands the urgency of our work, knowing that we leave no senior hungry
Amanda Pryce
Amanda began grocery shopping with her brother and father, and she has been serving the same client for over fourteen years, starting at the age of 14 Her client is visually impaired
“Meals on Wheels is the first regular volunteering I’ve ever done. I grew up really close to my parents who instilled in me the importance of food and helping people. The experience has been rewarding for so many reasons. I feel like I’m contributing to the community, and my client is amazing and resilient. I’m so grateful that I get to do this important work.”
Volunteer Spotlight
what inspires us...
"I volunteer because there is a need, and I can help fill that need…no matter how small. I believe we should all do our 'bit' to give back to our city and the world, whether that be a few dollars or a few hours. I have been blessed and believe in Meals on Wheels South Florida and their mission of changing lives, one meal at a time."
Judy Good
Judy is a cornerstone of Meals on Wheels South Florida, delivering meals with a warm smile and a listening ear since 2006. “It’s a privilege for me to get involved and show our love for people,” says Judy. “So many people are just lonely The meals are almost secondary to just being a friend and listening to people. That’s the key to the whole program. It brings so much joy to me, so it works both ways.”
Russell Korman
A Heartfelt Appreciation to all our Volunteers!
We at Meals on Wheels South Florida are incredibly grateful for your hard work. We simply could not do what we do without you.
We would like to extend our warmest appreciation to our long-standing volunteers, who have been with Meals on Wheels since its inception and remain dedicated, even as we transition to a donor-based agency. Thank you for selflessly donating your time throughout the years to people who need it most.
Our Long-Term Volunteers:
Rick Magill – 05/01/1998
Diann Geronemus – 09/01/1998
Russell Korman – 12/29/1999
Barbara (Bobbi) Arnold – 06/17/2000
Phoebee Francois – 08/01/2005
Judy Good – 01/17/2006
Patricia Caruso – 03/29/2007
Amanda Pryce – 06/29/2011
Thomas Conroy – 03/01/2012
Mary Adams – 06/01/2012
Samir Rajpal – 11/14/2013
John Kerns – 06/01/2017
Susan Kerns – 06/01/2017
Charmaine Heroux – 06/16/2018
Sheila “Toni” Thornton – 08/13/2020
Deborah Pinto – 12/01/2020
Volunteers from 2021 Onward
Sylvia Barrueco-Morgalo
Emma Boyar
Evan Boyar
Gabriella Boyar
Paula Boyar
Peter Brooks
Bryan Bravo
Emma Carlo
Allison Carlo
Francis Chu
Linda Deck
Lawrence Doverspike
Sally Doverspike
Diane Duncan
Don Duncan
Alexander Duncan
Emma Duncan
Nicolas Duncan
Shirley M. Ellis
Lawrence Eriss
Jaclyn Fortich
Gabriel Gonzalez
Veronica Gonzales
Elaine Gonzalez
Edward Hendry
Roger Heroux
Charles W. Holleman
Thomas Holleman
William T. Holleman III
Cynthia Jansco
Joyce Julian
Nina Leven
Stephanie Lynn
Lillian Maloney
Desiree Manos
Diane McGill
Ashley McGill
Maria Paixao
Stephanie Pappas
Fanny Pujol
Samantha Restrepo-Stier
Christopher Ryan
Bonne Scheflin
Benjamin Schulman
Troy Schwartzberg
Doris Speigel
Deborah Valin
And a huge thank you to our volunteers who can’t commit to regular schedules, but who are always ready to assist during special occasions, such as fundraising events, Thanksgiving, the holiday gift boxes, and now the hurricane preparedness kit distributions!
Volunteers are always needed!
You have the power to give back and truly change the life of an older adult in your community. We urgently need volunteers to provide critical support to the home-bound seniors we serve.
As one client shared, “Weekly meal deliveries have been life-changing for my health I also really love the time I get to connect with my delivery volunteer. She always makes me feel so special when she takes the extra time to talk with me each week.” Get involved as a meal delivery driver or volunteer. Become a part of our volunteer family and help change a life, one meal and friendly connection at a time.
The Opportunities:
Home Delivery Meal Service: Once clients are added to the program, our committed volunteers deliver their meals one day on a weekly basis. Clients usually receive a box of frozen meals and a box of shelf-stable breakfast meals. This is the area where we need most of our volunteers. Contact the office at 954-731-8770 for more information.
Meals for Companion Pets: Recognizing the deep emotional bonds between seniors and their pets, this program connects participants with pet food, grooming, and veterinary care assistance so they don’t have to choose between feeding and caring for themselves or their beloved companion.
Grocery Shopping: For seniors who can pay for their groceries but are unable to shop for themselves, they can set up a grocery shopping account with Meals on Wheels South Florida, and we will find a volunteer to do the shopping for them! All shopping is currently done in Publix Super Markets. We are happy to announce that ALL of our clients are now linked with a volunteer to do their grocery shopping!
Office Volunteer: Assisting in the office when the need arises Some duties include shredding, placing labels on envelopes or boxes, and making telephone calls.
More than a Meal
Client Leslie A. of Miramar shared how important our Pet Program is for her beloved companion dog, Rocky. She cherishes the support and warmth provided by the monthly pet food deliveries, as well as the grooming and veterinary opportunities MOWSOFLO provides to Rocky. Without the ability to drive, her world has become smaller and more confined
The service also eases a significant worry-the tough decision between feeding herself and ensuring Rocky is cared for. With the nutritious meals provided for her and for her pet, Leslie can keep both herself and Rocky nourished. "It makes life so much easier,” she says.
