Rockwall, TX-July 30, 2024 – When older Rockwall County residents need help at home, they may consult with their doctors, seek advice from friends or family, or go it alone. Karen Kiser of Fate, appointed by County Judge Frank New, represents Rockwall County on the Area Agency on Aging of North Central Texas (AAA-NCT) Regional Aging Advisory Committee. She is working to increase the number of county residents who receive publicly available but often unnoticed services.
Explains Kiser, “Area Agencies on Aging are supported by tax dollars to help older adults and family caregivers connect with services that promote independence and quality of life. They’ve been around for nearly 50 years but not widely known. I’m working to change that.”
The AAA-NCT provides funding to Meals on Wheels Senior Services (MOWSS) for its home-delivered meal and congregate meal programs. It also provides information and referrals; helps to make choices regarding Medicare coverage; in-home services for County residents leaving rehabilitation facilities; counseling for those who are depressed; workshops to reduce fall risk and better manage chronic disease; respite for family caregivers; advocacy for those in nursing or assisted living facilities; and education and problem-solving for those who care for family members with dementia. All services are provided at no charge to those who qualify.
Fate City Councilman Mark Harper expresses his unwavering support for the North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging and Meals on Wheels. “These invaluable organizations play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for our senior citizens and their caregivers.
The North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging is dedicated to creating and maintaining a coordinated network of health and social services for older adults. Their mission to help seniors live independently and with dignity aligns perfectly with our community values. By providing essential services such as information, advocacy, and direct support, they ensure that our elderly population receives the care and respect they deserve.”
Councilman Harper continued, “Meals on Wheels, on the other hand, offers more than just nutritious meals. They provide a lifeline to many of our seniors, delivering not only food but also companionship and a sense of security. The dedicated volunteers and staff of Meals on Wheels ensure that no senior in our community goes hungry or feels isolated.”
Harper encourages all residents to support and volunteer for these programs and to join him in getting this message to all residents as these organizations are vital to the well-being of our senior citizens.
Meals on Wheels Senior Services is in the middle of their “Welcome to the Table Capital Campaign.” This ambitious journey has MOWSS staff and volunteers working hard to fulfill a challenge grant from the J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation of Midland, Texas, to construct a new Senior Life Center. The grant will fund a significant portion of the more than $8 million needed in philanthropic support to complete the project. To meet the Mabee Foundation’s challenge, MOWSS must raise $1.3 million by October 10th through donations, pledges, or in-kind contributions to the building.
This new building will allow MOWSS to buy and store food in bulk and prepare hot meals daily, restoring the delivery schedule to five days a week. It’ll also provide a space for clients to socialize, attend craft or exercise classes, and feel like a part of a lively community. By owning and operating their commercial kitchen, as well as renting conference rooms and leasing event space, MOWSS will have additional revenue streams.
The recent “Gone Country” fundraising concert, which attracted 150 people, raised over $15,000 toward the capital campaign. The need for supportive services is projected to grow over the coming years, making the development of this new facility imperative to keep up with the demand according to Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County Executive Director Magie VerHagen.
Tickets are available now to attend “A Meal to Remember” which presents a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between generations while enjoying a delicious meal, silent and live auctions, LIVE music by the Royal Dukes Band, and much more! To make your ticket purchase, go to: https://one.bidpal.net/meal24/ticketing(details:ticketing-summary)
Or contact Development Director Maureen Cook at 214-356-6472
For more information regarding AAA-NCT services, call 800-272-3921.
Meals on Wheels Senior Services can be reached at 214-405-8522.
We thank North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging Director of Aging Programs Doni Green and Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County Executive Director Magie VerHagen for contributing to this article.
Press Release: Caring For Our Aging Neighbors
Submitted by: Jim Barto, Rockwall County Public Information Officer
