Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois (CAPCIL)
administers the Meals on Wheels program in Logan County – led by
Becky Leamon. CAPCIL began the Senior Nutrition, Meals on Wheels
Program in 1973.
Meet Lizzell Cook, a recipient of this program. Lizzell will soon be
90 years young! She is a widow and raised 12 children all on her
own. She moved to Lincoln from Chicago so her children could go to
school here. Her children and grandchildren visit from time to time
and sometimes stay extended periods of time if she needs extra help.
In 2011, Lizzell had heart surgery and Community Action's Senior
Nutrition Program, Meals on Wheels, began delivering her meals once
she returned home. Lizzell states "The meals have been a blessing
because I just can't stand for long periods of time to cook any
more".
With the 5 meals a week she receives, she is able to remain in her
home where she has lived for over half of her life. Not only are we
providing a warm nutritious meal, but we are providing a safety
check and a warm friendly smile. Becky Leamon shares, “I love
getting the chance to deliver meals to so many seniors in our
community like Lizzell who always feed my soul with their warm smile
and kindness. We can improve the lives of those right here in our
community by providing meals, smiles and safety checks! What a
blessing it is to be a part of such a wonderful program and United
Way of Logan County is right there helping us do just that!”
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United Way funding allows the program to continue
without implementing a waiting list, reducing the number of
individuals in our community who struggle with hunger, health issues
and lack of socialization. In FY 2016 25,562 home delivered meals
were served. In FY 2017 30,351 home delivered meals were served. In
FY 2018 32,899 home delivered meals were served. In FY 2019, ending
in September, 38,324 home delivered meals were served. This is the
trend with the growing number of Baby Boomers. Area Agency on Aging
for Lincolnland requires us to obtain a local match and United Way
funding helps us meet that requirement.
Your Support Matters! Because this community supports The United Way
of Logan County, Illinois, children have opportunities to live
healthy, busy lives. Seniors can remain active and in their own
homes. Families can prosper and recover from tragedy. Together we
are doing what no one person or organization can do alone.
Thank you for making a difference.
[Patti Becker
Administrative Director
The United Way of Logan County, Illinois] |