Success Stories and Best Practices

At Riverside County Office on Aging (PSA 21), we are privileged to witness remarkable stories of transformation among our seniors in partnership with our contracted providers. One such inspiring story involves Evelyn Middleham, a resilient 94-year-old who reclaimed her health and vitality.

When Evelyn first approached Sodexo last fall, she was in a fragile state and under hospice care. Her situation seemed dire; however, with the compassionate support of her daughter, Susie Elliot, and the county’s partnership with Sodexo Nutrition Services, Evelyn embarked on a journey of healing through the meal program.

In a few short months, Evelyn experienced a remarkable turnaround. Her strength and energy returned, and she made the decision to no longer require hospice care.

Dressed impeccably and with her hair styled, she eagerly anticipates her daily visits to the Stratton Center. She enjoys nutritious meals and radiates joy as she joins her fellow seniors at the center.

As Eveyln’s story demonstrates, the bonds formed within our senior community extend beyond mere companionship — they are a source of comfort, support, and genuine friendship. We are immensely grateful for the invaluable partnership with Sodexo, which enables us to empower seniors like Evelyn to lead fulfilling and vibrant lives.

My name is Wai Lin Kwan Wan and I was born in 1948. For many years, my husband and I found a second home in the services of Self-Help for the Elderly, a cornerstone of support and care in our lives. Our regular visits to the South Sunset Senior Center were filled with friends and laughter as we dined on nutritious lunches and participated in activities that filled our days with joy and purpose.

When the pandemic swept across the globe, my husband and I dared not go outside. In those times of isolation and uncertainty, Self-Help’s meal delivery service ensured we never faced hunger, delivering not just food, but also comfort and a sense of being cared for. In my husband’s last year of life, I was appreciative of the fact that there were people who were concerned about us.

Last year, Self-Help introduced a weekly grocery delivery program that became a lifeline. This service, thoughtfully put together with an Asian touch, was more than a convenience; it was a gesture of understanding that I was not alone.

Through lunches shared with friends, meals delivered to our doorstep, and the kindness of weekly groceries, Self-Help has been a constant source of strength and comfort in my life. I am grateful for the compassion, care, and support that they have given me.

Joe, 100, is a celebrated World War II veteran and an inspiring example of healthy aging. He was 18 when he was drafted to serve in World War II. Joe’s wartime experiences filled him with debilitating anxiety, yet his fortitude and faith helped him emerge stronger than ever. The World War II hero received a Purple Heart and was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. When his wife of 68 years, Novel, passed away, Joe needed new support. "Meals on Wheels has helped me a lot," Joe says. "I don’t have to cook, and my digestive system is much better."

My name is Perla Cerpa Estremadoyro, and I have lived in San Francisco’s Oceanview neighborhood since 2000.

When I moved here, I found the I.T. Bookman Community Center with its nutritional program. I am an older woman with pain from an injury. The nutritional program allows people like me with limited mobility and economy to eat in their homes. It also helps me eat a balanced diet every day. Each meal contains a healthy plate with protein, carbohydrates, vegetables, and fruit. It also has a variety of styles of food every day, such as Latin-inspired, soul food, Asian-inspired, seafood, and chef’s special, so l am never bored with the food. The chef, cooks, and people who serve those meals make me feel beloved and at home. I know they make the meals with love.

I noticed that the nutritional program not only worries about my nutritional needs, but also the environment because they use composted containers.

Thank you, I.T. Bookman Community Center and Older Californians Nutrition Program.

Cynthia Sandoval is recovering from a car accident and a stroke. She suffered broken legs from the car accident which left her with no means of transportation and made it difficult to get out. She wasn’t sure how she was going to get the food she needed. She’s used to being very independent and it was hard for her to finally seek some help. As Cynthia searched for assistance, she was advised to contact Sourcewise to see how they might help. After calling Sourcewise, she really liked the quick response back from the Meals On Wheels team and appreciated the quick turnaround of signing up for her first delivery. Cynthia is very thankful for the food deliveries and very happy with the service. Now, she feels she doesn’t have to worry about food, and it has relieved some of the stress of looking for other resources. Cynthia has recommended MOW to other tenants in her complex that could be in need, and to anyone she meets.

At the Riverside County Blythe Nutrition Team, dedicated staff go above and beyond to ensure that older adults in the hard-to-reach area of Blythe receive the support they need. Despite challenges posed by the remote location, our team remains committed to serving our clients with compassion and excellence.

A valued client, Marina, expresses gratitude for the exceptional services provided at the Blythe Community Center. Marina enjoys the sense of fellowship and interaction, along with the engaging daily activities and exercise options. She particularly appreciates the respectful, friendly demeanor of our staff members, who go out of their way to ensure a delightful experience for all attendees. Moreover, Marina finds immense satisfaction in the nutritious, freshly prepared meals served daily, which meet her dietary requirements.

The heartfelt appreciation expressed by Marina is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our Blythe Nutrition Team. Despite the logistical challenges of operating in a remote area, our staff continue to uphold the highest standards of service, ensuring that older adults in Blythe receive the care and support they deserve. We are immensely proud of our team's commitment to serving the community and grateful for their efforts in making a positive impact on the lives of our clients. Kudos to the remarkable staff of the Riverside County Blythe Nutrition Team for their outstanding contributions to the Riverside County Office on Aging!

I have been living in San Francisco for the past 15 years. I'm originally from Mexico City. I've been coming to GLIDE for one year now. But I've struggled for the past year, without work, and no money and no access to food or a place to live. I came across GLIDE while walking the streets of San Francisco. Now I come for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, six days a week. The food is delicious, fresh, and helps me save money, which I don't have much of right now. GLIDE is like family to me. I know many of the people who work here. I recently found some employment and a place to live, but GLIDE is still my lifeline, and I really appreciate the meals it offers. I recommend GLIDE to anyone who needs help, especially those living in the streets.

Ricardo Benegas

My name is Delores Golston. I have been a participant in the nutrition program at SASSFA for several years. The program has enabled me to have a balanced meal five days a week. Nutritionally, it has helped my overall health. I have also received items to be able to move safely in my home.

Thank you for sending us frozen meals during the historic storms. They fill in nicely for those of us who no longer drive. They are a special blessing. We don't have to worry about frequent shopping trips. Your meals are always well prepared and nourishing. Thank you, Serving Seniors, for your efforts and concerns for us. Our lives are being enriched every day by all you do.

The City of Burbank congregate meal sites are successfully offering Hybrid Meal Distribution to eligible participants. Home-Delivered Meal Program and Hybrid Meal Distribution participants enjoy a variety of high quality, hot, fresh/cold, and frozen meals. The Elderly Nutrition Program served over 124,451 meals from July to December 2023. The program has been expanded to meet the needs of the community and continues to offer high quality of services and nutritious meals. Here are stories from our participants.

Mr. Turner – City of Burbank HDM Program

Mr. Turner has participated in the Burbank Nutrition Home-Delivered Meal (HDM) program since 2020. When he first enrolled in our program, he had been in and out of the hospital due to ongoing health issues that limited him from performing day to day chores like preparing meals. Through participation in the HDM program, we have seen Mr. Turner regain his strength and health. The team has noticed the change in him with his bright smile and a twinkle in his eye. He says, "I think the HDM program is excellent, I love the service and friendly people who deliver. Most of all, the food is delicious."

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Stormy Mitchell - Joslyn Adult Center Nutrition Program

The Nutrition Program over the years has been a big part of my life. Like a lot of seniors, I’m on a fixed income with food insecurity and am not able to buy meats, fruits, and vegetables like I want to.

The meals also come with milk, bread, and sometimes even a treat like a cookie. They are balanced and very well proportioned. The Nutrition Program helps me to get meals five days a week. Eating lunch is my big meal of the day, so for a $2.00 donation it is well worth it.

The plus side is I do not have to worry about not having enough money to buy the food that helps sustain my body or go without and be hungry. I know that a lot of seniors are grateful for the Nutrition Program that we have and I'm so thankful for it!

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Kim Williams – Don Tuttle Senior Center

"The lunch program has greatly improved my overall healthy eating habits. The varieties and various selections include items that I normally would not partake in. Nutrition is extremely important to me, and the lunch program has helped me to improve my daily intake of essential nutrients. I am extremely grateful for the lunch program, and I count on its continuance. Thank you very much."