Meals on Wheels of Delaware County (MOWdelco.org) and its volunteers steadfastly deliver compassion in the form of a warm meal and a friendly face. This nonprofit has worked tirelessly to improve the health and quality of life for homebound seniors and disabled residents since 1972, for over 50 years. Today, Meals on Wheels continues to offer companionship and care to neighbors who need it most.
Adam Carliss, the organization’s current President and County Coordinator, was inspired by his wife, Cheryl. “Initially, Cheryl started volunteering and delivering while she was raising the kids before she was back to work,” Carliss fondly recalls. In 2008, he joined her on delivery routes when he was downsized during the market downturn. “I enjoyed it. I took the kids sometimes. The recipients were so happy to see my kids,” he says. The family activity soon grew into a calling. Encouraged by fellow volunteers, he stepped into leadership roles while working a full-time job. He eventually became the county’s coordinator and, later, its president.
Carliss explains that Meals on Wheels of Delaware County is structured into four service units: Media/Swarthmore, Aston/Brookhaven, Haverford Township, and Marple-Newtown. Each operates semi-independently, often from senior or community centers, but all fall under the countywide umbrella of Meals on Wheels Delco, Inc. “Each one of those units operates typically out of a close senior center or a hometown senior center or community center,” he says.
Each unit serves between 10 to 20 people with around 220 meals per month - provided Monday through Friday. “One of our units delivers five days a week, but the other three units deliver three days a week,” Carliss explains. To ensure clients receive enough food, drivers bring multiple meals per visit, including hot dishes, cold box lunches, or frozen options that can be stored for later. The Nutrition Group (BTC) designs the meals to be low in sodium and nutritionally balanced. “They are low in sodium, balanced protein, and balanced starch and greens, to meet the nutritional needs of the receivers, who tend to rarely leave the house,” Carliss says.
The program brings comfort and connection to its recipients. “It’s fulfilling knowing that there is a compassionate, caring person for somebody to turn to regarding services for people that may not be food stable,” Carliss shares. He recalls one memorable case of a man who called him from Texas. “His dad was in Wallingford, and he said to me, I can’t help him because I’m so far away. I reassured him, yeah, just let me know. I’ll get him hooked up and set it up.”
Meals on Wheels’ service is possible thanks to an extensive volunteer network. They rely on roughly a total of 120 volunteers countywide, with each unit having 10-35 active volunteers. They are people who give their time weekly, monthly, or whenever they can. “Some of them might drive once a month. Some of them might drive once a week. Some people do all Wednesdays,” Carliss notes. Recruitment happens through the website, referrals from Meals on Wheels America, and even church bulletins. “It’s a collaboration of many teams, but just really the dedicated volunteers who help us get this done and perform these awesome tasks in support,” he says.
They are not without challenges. Certain areas of the county remain underserved due to lack of volunteers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, one long-running unit in Ridley Park closed after its coordinator, who had undertaken a crucial role, stepped away in order to take a job. “When he left, nobody stepped up to run a unit because there’s a lot of organization involved,” Carliss explains. Behind the scenes, running a unit involves spreadsheets, phone numbers, billing, food orders, and financial oversight. Additionally, each unit has its own chairperson, coordinator, and treasurer. The dedication that keeps the program alive underscores that Meals on Wheels is a labor of love above all.
Funding itself is another hurdle. Unlike some programs, MOW Delco does not receive public funding. “While the delivery is entirely volunteer-driven, there is a food cost and we bill the recipients for it, because we are not publicly funded in any way,” Carliss says. He emphasizes that the organization doesn’t profit. They even make the billing process easier for seniors by sending the invoice in the mail with self-addressed envelope. They also refer those who qualify to free county programs through Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA).
As the organization looks to the future, Carliss hopes more people will become aware of the resource and step up to volunteer. Partnerships with senior centers remain critical, especially in Media, where Carliss works closely with coordinator Kathy Henderson. “She’s a godsend from the Hometown Senior Center here in Media,” he effuses. “She’s fantastic. She's just phenomenal with the senior programs and offerings from the center. She helps me coordinate the volunteers specifically for Media’s unit.”
The fulfillment of helping others keeps Carliss motivated. “It’s fulfilling and enriching to know you can be a kind, gentle ear for people to speak with and get compassionate services of this nature,” he says.
As Delaware County prepares for the holiday season, Meals on Wheels is raising awareness and encouraging community participation. While the meals sustain the body, it is volunteers who sustain the mission. Each helping hand brings hope to another doorstep. Perhaps your hands may be the ones to help carry the mission forward.
Go to MOWdelco.org to volunteer or donate.