They drive. They stop. They deliver and they interact. They drive again. They stop again. Three hundred and fifty times a day.
That’s the job description for the folks who deliver the daily food for the Meals on Wheels program orchestrated five days per week by the Family Service-Upper Ohio Valley. The non-profit may operate 15 other services, but meal distribution is by far the most labor-intensive.
The argument can be made, too, that the weekday lunches represent the most important activity that Paula Calvert manages as Family Service CEO. Sure, there’s transportation, wellness, informational seminars, and hygiene assistance, but Meals on Wheels likely delivers the only sustenance – and human interaction – the majority of clients have access to on a daily basis.
How’d ya like to wake up to that responsibility?
Well, that’s exactly what Calvert has done for years, why she’s always battled for attention every chance she’s had, and why she’s enthralled that Family Services-Upper Ohio Valley was selected as the benefitting organization by the directors of the annual Mountaineer Brewfest. Last year, the Seeing Hand Association received $40,000 from the festival.
What if that’s the amount offered to Family Services this year?
Just so happens that’s how much those meals on wheels cost … each month.
What is the message you hear most from those seniors you help on a daily basis?
The messages we receive from the seniors are bittersweet. When you read a message that states they love your meals and this is the best they have eaten in several years, it hits you hard. When additional funding is available, we send water and beverage boxes to reduce dehydration.
The hand-written notes about the struggle to carry heavy grocery bags put your abilities in perspective and confirm that the services we provide are essential. My favorite notes are about the kindness of my staff, and I love when the seniors share recipes with the drivers. The social interaction is incredible.
Family Services-Upper Ohio Valley reduces the struggle of cooking a variety of healthy meals for a one or two-person household.
Have I told you that I love my job?
Are you a beer drinker?
I do enjoy a cold glass of beer.
I’m excited that Family Services is the recipient of the Mountaineer Brewfest and I’m looking forward to talking to the participants. I’m eager to learn the differences in the process and ingredients. One thing I do know is that a beer with family and friends is my favorite.
I have several fond memories of vacationing with friends enjoying food, beverages, and laughter. Those are moments that I cherish. This summer I have a goal of creating more memories with those l love the most.
I also believe that a cold beer and a hot dog taste better at a ballpark. I love the game of baseball and watching the game at a ballpark is amazing. A close second would be a football.
What is most difficult when it comes to operating a non-profit organization in the Wheeling area?
It is difficult to operate a non-profit in Wheeling because of the unnecessary “noise” of some of the population. The mission of every non-profit is clear, but the misinformation that is communicated is exhausting. As I stated many times during radio shows—if you have a nonprofit that serves you – make sure you support that nonprofit.
Nonprofit leaders must fight the perception that whatever they need can be provided by applying for a grant. That is not always the case.
Wheeling is filled with amazing seniors that Family Services-Upper Ohio Valley serves daily. I’m encouraging Ohio County seniors to join the fun at our center!
When scanning TV stations, what movies or shows do you always stop on to watch – even for a short bit?
I love Christmas movies and comedies! My husband and son always are making fun of my love of Hallmark Christmas movies, and they enjoy the scary movies (I can’t even listen to the scary music … lol). I love a heartwarming movie that I have seen a thousand times.
The season of Christmas with family, lights, and gatherings is what I LOVE! I also like comedies especially if there is a movie marathon that plays all day.
What happens to the people served by Family Services if the organization suddenly goes away?
I do not want to think about that day. If Family Services-Upper Ohio Valley suddenly goes away, seniors in Ohio and Marshall counties will go without food, and my dedicated Meals on Wheels delivery drivers are sometimes the only human contact for our clients.
Without Family Services-Upper Ohio Valley, seniors would not have reliable transportation to their doctor’s appointments, financial appointments, visiting spouses in the hospital, or wellness activities. The programs we offer at our organization provide information and reduce isolation. Education and information are necessary to remain connected to your community, reduce the threat of being scammed, and to live the best chapter of your life on your terms.
I have an amazing staff that goes above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of our seniors. We are always looking for more dedicated employees.
I’m challenging the leaders of the community to learn more about Family Service-Upper Ohio Valley. Yes, we are always looking for donations, but we also need strong advocates for positive change for the senior population.
My challenge is to call me at 304-233-2350 x 105 and schedule a tour of our organization. You may know information that is outdated and need to discover how many amazing services we provide. Many successful projects have started with just a visit.
It could be as simple as a partnership for the holidays, a school project of making cards, or just a change in your mindset of looking after your neighborhood seniors.
