As 2024 draws to a close, Coal Creek Meals on Wheels staff have been recalling their favorite moments from the year.
For Coal Creek Meals on Wheels, this was a year of unprecedented change and growth. We welcomed new staff members and shifted roles, and several months ended in a record breaking number of meals served. We onboarded 100 new volunteers. We have built new friendships, and we have lost dear friends. We have all laughed, and it’s likely that we have all cried.
After one of our longtime Lafayette residents and Cafe patrons, Dolores Silva, passed away, a plaque was placed on the table where she used to sit. This recognition of Dolores was a highlight this year for our Senior Client Service Manager, Emma Gaulin. Dolores’ son Chuck and his friend Ellen were there, and Rich, another longtime Cafe patron, attached the plaque. “It was special because Dolores had sat at that spot for so many years,” Emma said, “It was a really meaningful experience.” This moment of honoring Dolores brought together old friends and new, showcasing the deep, lasting impact that our patrons have on the community.
For our Executive Director Nate, a highlight of his first year with our organization has been the process of moving from understanding our mission to seeing it in action. He has enjoyed learning all that we do to serve our neighbors, and experiencing the dedication of our volunteers and staff.
One standout moment for our Community Engagement Manager, Luna, was witnessing the bond formed between volunteers and clients. “Walking into the Cafe after hours and seeing two volunteers, Faye and Joe, playing Uno with our neighbor Ron has been one of my favorite moments, and a testament to the community that is built within and around Coal Creek Meals on Wheels,” Luna reflected. It's these small acts of connection that highlight the warmth and sense of family within our community.
2024 saw Coal Creek Meals on Wheels expand its reach and enhance its services. The continuation and expansion of the Grab and Go Meal Program and the Kids Summer Meals Program, allowed us to serve more community members in innovative ways. New friendships created through the Buddy Program continued to provide companionship and support.
As we look forward to 2025, we carry with us the lessons, memories, and milestones of 2024. Our journey is driven by the shared vision of a future where every individual, regardless of age or circumstances, enjoys access to nutritious meals and meaningful connections. We are grateful for the dedication of our volunteers, supporters, and our staff, and we remain committed to making a positive impact in the lives of our neighbors in the year ahead.
Thank you for being a part of our story.
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