In 2022, NAM plans to resume the full-time operation of the two programs we utilize to keep our seniors socially connected: Young at Heart in-person events, and Meals on Wheels daily delivery.
Our Young at Heart Center was one of the first programs to shut down in 2020, to protect the health of our seniors. Through the pandemic shut-down, NAM staff continued to host in-person virtual events, so that our seniors still maintained connection to the outside world. Though the center briefly re-opened for in-person events in June of 2021, the surge in covid19 variants resulted in the Houston Area Agency on Aging to mandate shutdowns once again.
With positive cases now on a steady decline, our goal is to re-open the Young At Heart Senior Center this spring. The daily operations of the center will need the support of volunteers: from hosting games in the activity room to serving lunch at the cafe, volunteers are needed to interact with our seniors and provide a festive atmosphere for the events that are hosted there.
Starting June 1st, NAM will begin to deliver hot meals Monday - Saturday. Currently, we have about 80 volunteers making weekly deliveries of shelf-stable meals. To ensure that all routes are covered out of 3 delivery locations : Bear Creek, NAM Main Office, and LifePath Church. Meals on Wheels is one of our most critical programs, with 900 seniors relying on Northwest Assistance Ministries for regular meals and groceries. To ensure these seniors receive their meals, NAM will need over 220 volunteers each week.
Individuals, corporations seeking days of service, church and civic groups have all stepped up - even if it's for one day - providing the helping hands needed to deliver meals and assist in our senior center. Every volunteer is needed and appreciated at NAM.
We hope you will consider NAM as a place to give your time as a volunteer! NAM’s work is only possible with the dedication of our volunteers in all of our programs. Help NAM continue our mission of providing basic needs by joining with us as a neighbor helping your neighbor.