Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels Program

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels on the occasion of their 50 years of service to the community. The care and service that they provide to older members of the Ypsilanti community is worthy of commendation.

Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels began at the suggestion of the Ypsilanti's Mayor's Council on Aging in 1973. This program began with 16 homebound neighbors receiving home-delivered meals, and has since expanded into a reliable and strong force in Washtenaw County. The organization now includes pet food delivery through a partnership with the Huron Valley Humane Society, home repairs, and a program that helps seniors live more safely while remaining in the comfort of their own homes. The level of care and dedication to recipients of this organization is shown as it offers vegetarian meals, produce delivery, as well as medically friendly and culturally sensitive options. Additionally, Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels delivers all seven days of the week, ensuring that all senior clients get fresh meals each day.

The success of Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels would not be possible without the numerous partnerships they have. The support of these community organizations enables the program to run and deliver food to homes every day. The First Baptist Church of Ypsilanti was their first partner when the program started, their original home, and still plays a huge role in supporting them today. YMOW also works with staff and students from the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University to help with the initial intake process of community members and partners with Michigan Medicine's Patient Food and Nutrition Services to produce the meals. These partnerships also allow for YMOW's other services to the community, including the Pets Assisting the Lives of Seniors (P.A.L.S.) program that is run with the support of the Humane Society. All of these partnerships demonstrate how integrated the program is throughout the community and the extent of its aid throughout Southeastern Michigan.

Dedicated to serving older adults, Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels has demonstrated its commitment to the community throughout these last five decades. By providing nutritious meals, social interaction with community members, and other services, this organization allows the homebound residents in Washtenaw County the opportunity to maintain independence and comfort by living in their own homes. Every member of a community deserves to feel safe and happy, and this organization ensures that some of our most vulnerable members are able to thrive.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels. For the last half- century, the program has been diligently serving the older adults of the community when they need it most. We thank Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels and its team members for its service to the Sixth District and are excited to see how the program keeps serving the community.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source