Akron, OH (July 11, 2019) – VANTAGE Aging is honored to receive grant funding from the Health Foundation of Greater Massillon, the Massillon Community Charitable Fund, and Meals on Wheels America. All funds are supporting the Meals on Wheels of Northeast Ohio program.
The Health Foundation of Greater Massillon awarded $5,000 for the program’s “Feeding Massillon Seniors” request. The total cost for Meals on Wheels to prepare a meal is approximately $6.00; however, many clients pay based on a sliding fee scale or donation program, and this creates a funding shortfall. $5,000 from the Health Foundation of Greater Massillon significantly reduces this short fall and cover the costs of more than 1,500 meals for seniors in Massillon.
The Massillon Community Charitable Fund awarded $3,982 for the program’s “Coolers, Containers & Can Openers” request. This funding allows the agency to further optimize hot meal operations in Stark County by purchasing 4 industrial can openers, 8 heavy duty camwear lexons, and nearly 50 Rubbermaid coolers.
Meals on Wheels America awarded $2,500 for Meals on Wheel’s Wheels for Wags program. Wheels for Wags is a free pet food service available to all Meals on Wheels clients in Stark, Summit, and Wayne Counties. Companion animals have been proven to reduce feelings of isolation in seniors, as well as reduce the number of doctor visits needed. The funding will enable the program to purchase pet food for hundreds of pets, so that they can remain healthy and at-home with their senior owners.
VANTAGE Meals on Wheels is thankful to all of the funders above for their support of its mission to promote a positive perspective on aging. With the help of the Health Foundation of Greater Massillon, the Massillon Community Charitable Fund, and Meals on Wheels America, this community’s seniors are able to age positively and independently.
Meals on Wheels of Northeast Ohio was formed after Meals on Wheels of Northern Ohio and Meals on Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties merged on January 1, 2019. Meals on Wheels is one of several programs offered through VANTAGE Aging, including Workforce Solutions on-the-job training, Behavioral Health Solutions, RSVP Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, and Home Wellness Solutions. To learn more about VANTAGE programs available in your county, please visit www.vantageaging.org.
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About VANTAGE Aging: VANTAGE Aging provides high-quality programs to empower the economic, social, physical, and mental well-being of adults as they age. Non-medical in-home care is provided by Home Wellness Solutions. Behavioral Health Solutions offers mental health counseling and treatment for alcohol and other drug use issues to adults age 45 and older. Job training for low-income adults age 55 and older is offered through the Senior Community Service Employment Program. Evidenced-based volunteering to meet local and national needs is provided by RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) volunteers. Meals on Wheels of Northeast Ohio provides home-delivered and congregate meals to provide nutritional support to the homebound and disabled. Overall, VANTAGE’s programs come together to offer a path for positive aging. Founded in 1975 as a senior citizen program, VANTAGE has since become an independent, nationally respected organization with offices throughout the state. For more information, call 330.253.4597 or visit www.vantageaging.org.