Senior Services is well-known for the work it does to help older adults in Forsyth County remain in their homes—living with dignity, and aging with purpose. As the organization celebrates the 60^th anniversary of its Meals-on-Wheels program it wants to remind people that a mission of this size and scope does not happen without the support of a giving community. It takes volunteers, donors, staff and other supporters and champions with caring hearts to recognize and respond to the needs of older adults. It takes us all – individuals, civic organizations, and businesses with the will to make a difference and to do what they can to help meet those needs.

Senior Services and the participants it serves are fortunate to reside in a community that gets it. Three community leaders from the financial, media, and health sectors recently exemplified the bonds between individuals, public organizations, and nonprofits by volunteering to be Service Champions as part of the organization’s 60^th year celebration. Allegacy Credit Union President and CEO, Cathy Pace and Ashley Kohlrus, Executive Vice President/Chief Operations and Digital Officer at Allegacy Credit Union, Michelle Butt, General Manager of WXII, and Dr. Franklin Watkins, Gerontology Physician at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health, volunteered to deliver Meals-on-Wheels routes to seniors who have difficulty preparing meals for themselves. “We were thrilled to have them come in to deliver meals,” said Lee Covington, President, and CEO of Senior Services. “They understand that the work we do requires a village. There is a place in our mission for everyone to get involved.”

The Service Champions echoed Covington’s words as they explained why they took part:

Cathy Pace (left) said, “The entire community of Winston-Salem is important to me personally and to Allegacy. We’ve devoted our time to food insecurity in so many different ways and this is a way that we [I] can personally go out and show our [my] interest versus sending someone else out to do it. It’s being there and being a part of this incredible organization here at Senior Services and I couldn’t be prouder that I had this opportunity to participate as an individual and not just as a company.

 Michelle Butt said, “As we emerge from the last two years, the need for human connection has only intensified for me. Being a volunteer for Meals-on-Wheels gave me an opportunity to engage with my neighbors and meet them in an act of service that I believe makes the connection only stronger. I am grateful the team at Senior Services believes I have something to contribute to this important work and can’t wait to bring my friends and colleagues into the volunteer ranks as well.”

 Dr. Franklin Watkins said, “As a doctor in the community I understand the critical need that nutrition plays in the role of health to patients. The ability to take meals to people who might not be able to get a meal otherwise is important for their health and equally important to our mission as health professionals, and to me personally.

Covington also said, “When we say, “Senior Services” we’re not just talking about a building or the staff that works in it. We’re talking about the donors, volunteers, and the community, as a whole. We’re talking about each and every person who chips in whenever, however they can to ensure that we meet the needs of as many older adults in this community as possible.”

Senior Services is thankful for the champions who helped us kick off our 60^th year celebration and for all the champions who help us fulfill our mission every day. We invite you, your company, civic or faith group to join us in meeting the needs of older adults in our community. Now’s the perfect time! Visit our group engagement page to learn more about how you can help and how to get started.