one by one®: Davidson County Senior Services
On paper, the work of Davidson County Senior Services is one thing. But in reality, it’s a whole lot more. The department serves older adults in the North Carolina county of about 169,000 people, offering social opportunities, wellness activities, healthcare services and Meals on Wheels®. What these programs really offer, though, are opportunities for human connection, joy and longer, healthier lives.
“The whole purpose of everything we do is to help seniors stay at home as long as possible,” said Chris Bitterman, volunteer services coordinator. “We help them stay in their own homes and live independently as long as they’re able to.”
Driven by volunteers
The department carries out its mission with about 30 staff members and 450 volunteers. Most of the volunteers are Meals on Wheels drivers. Recently, more than 6,800 hot meals were delivered in one month.
The meal delivery service is a prime example of how great an impact a seemingly simple program can have. For some older adults, the hot meal delivery five days a week is a welcome opportunity for conversation.
Some meal deliveries have become life-saving encounters. Bitterman said that several times a year a volunteer will encounter someone who has fallen or needs additional care. “Our Meals on Wheels program is really more about human contact and checking in on the safety of the person than it is about food,” he said.
Saying thanks through volunteer recognition gifts
Davidson County Senior Services hosts an annual luncheon for its hundreds of volunteers as a show of appreciation. This year, Bitterman used a one by one grant to purchase Sharpie® S-Gel Pens and Stockford Journals. He chose the items because they’re practical and, knowing his team, the gifts would get a lot of use. “It also has our logo on the front,” he said. “It’s another reminder of the volunteer work they’re doing.”
A note from Cheryl
The dedication of Davidson County Senior Services and its many volunteers is inspiring. We were honored to provide volunteer recognition gifts to show the hundreds of helpers they’re appreciated. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.com.
Trademarks
MEALS ON WHEELS is a registered trademark of MEALS ON WHEELS OF CENTRAL MARYLAND, INC., 515 SOUTH HAVEN STREET, BALTIMORE, MARYLAND UNITED STATES 21224
SHARPIE is a registered trademark of SANFORD, L.P., 6655 Peachtree Dunwoody, Atlanta, GEORGIA UNITED STATES 30328