Combating Loneliness and Hunger Through Home Delivered Meals: Gena's story

Meals on Wheels Program goes beyond a meal 

Impacting people’s lives fuels Gena to show up behind the wheel, no matter the weather, to deliver meals to nearly 35 homebound older adults every weekday on Milwaukee’s northwest side. “Rain, sleet, snow … [They] have to get that meal.” 

“My whole life is the community. I love serving and having positive impact. You hear people say ‘you can’t change the world’ but I’m going to try where I can.” 

The Home Delivered Meals program is a free service for homebound older adults over 60 that includes delivery of hot, nutritious meals Monday through Friday. 

Meals, wellness checks and more

Program success is important to Gena as many meal recipients are unable to prepare a home-cooked meal. 
“I wake up every morning ready to jump into action,” shares Gena who starts her days separating and bagging nearly 400 meals and oversees that drivers are supplied for nine out of the program’s 43 delivery routes throughout Milwaukee County.

At each visit, Gena conducts wellness checks that can be lifesaving. “I tune into changes in behavior and assess anything that is out of the norm.” For Gena, visits often include going the extra mile. “I see a need, I address it.” 

Nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered socially isolated from their community and natural social structures like family and friends. Isolation can result in an increased risk of loneliness and serious medical conditions.* “Sometimes, I’m their only connection,” explains Gena who helps combat social isolation and loneliness through meaningful engagement.

“I don’t drop off the meal and go. I give them the time they need. I tell them positive words as sometimes they just need to hear it.”

These connections lead to lasting natural bonds. “Many of the recipients are like my family. I celebrate their birthdays, give them cards, let them know I’m thinking of them.” 

With each delivery, Gena gives recipients hope and independence. In return, she leaves with a tank full of the impact she creates in the lives of meal recipients, their family and even their pets. The best part for Gena? “Knowing I made a difference in their life.”

Home Delivered Meals Program

Goodwill supports the national Meals on Wheels initiative in Milwaukee County by working with the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services Division on Aging to facilitate case management and delivery of the Home Delivered Meals program. Goodwill conducts wellness checks and provides nearly 1,500 nutritious meals a day to older adults throughout Milwaukee County to live independent, healthier and more nourished lives in their homes.