When the world around him began to shut down in March 2020, Ronald Youngblood wanted a way to help his community cope with a strange new reality. A friend suggested he help deliver meals for Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels, and Ronald jumped right on board. Ronald’s volunteer training was a little
Artist provides hope and food while sheltering in place
Ann Arbor artist Stephen Cain has a thing or two in common with the people who rely on the support of Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels. At 78, he is at increased risk of COVID-19, and at least for now, he’s staying close to home. But unlike many of the seniors served by YMOW, Cain can imagine a day when
Top 10 Protocols for safe food delivery
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought changes to nearly every part of our lives. Access to food is one thing that shouldn't change. YMOW has protocols in place to ensure our homebound neighbors continue to receive the food they need while remaining safe and healthy. 1. Staff whose work does not
Face shields allow meal delivery with a smile
More than anything else about his job, Joe loves to see the smiles on the faces of the people on his Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels route. “I just get a kick out of how happy they are,” said Joe, who delivers meals as part of the YMOW staff. But safety protocols due to the COVID-19 crisis mean Joe
Weekly wellness calls improve safety and raise spirits during COVID-19
Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels has always been about more than a daily food delivery. Our clients rely on their daily visit for a bit of conversation and a smiling face. And we at YMOW rely on those face-to-face interactions as reassurance of the client’s well-being. Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, these
Emergency expenses are mounting
YMOW incurs costs to protect clients during COVID-19 As we make our way through this unprecedented health crisis, YMOW's first priority remains the health and well-being of our homebound neighbors. Special precautions are in place to protect our clients as we continue to provide them with a
Don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep
Is it a funny coincidence or a cruel joke that daylight savings time – the day when we set our clocks ahead and lose an hour of precious sleep – occurs during National Sleep Awareness Month? March is a good time to remind ourselves of the importance of quality sleep and how to make it a nightly
YMOW gives volunteer of the quarter purpose in retirement
Having retired from his career in IT, John Isakson needed a new reason to get up and dressed every day. “You have to have a reason to get up every morning,” said John, our final Volunteer of the Quarter for 2019. For nearly six years, that reason has been the people served by Ypsilanti Meals