Meals on Wheels of Long Beach

Meals on Wheels of Long Beach, Inc. (MOWLB) (The Organization) was founded in March 1971 and is a California nonprofit corporation. Meals on Wheels of Long Beach delivers a combination of wholesome meals, friendly visits, and a wide variety of additional programs to help ensure that homebound seniors, veterans, the chronically ill and disabled can continue living independently, well nourished, safe and happy in their own homes for as long as possible. Services are provided to all qualified applicants at a discounted, partially subsidized fee. Low-income applicants receive fully subsidized meals and support services when qualified during an intake process. The low-income meal and support subsidy program is funded in part by the generosity of individual donors, business and corporate sponsors, and philanthropic foundations. Home Delivered Meals:Meals on Wheels of Long Beach delivers nutritious meals to our homebound neighbors who face challenges trying to cook or shop for themselves, and who do not always have friends or family nearby to help. Our meals are available to all Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill and Leisure World Seal Beach residents, regardless of age. We deliver meals with care and compassion, Monday through Friday, except on major holidays. Each meal delivery includes a cold lunch, a hot dinner, dessert, and a carton of milk. In 2023, MOWLB delivered over 170,000 meals to over 800 unduplicated clients.Friendly Visits:Meals on Wheels of Long Beach volunteers deliver so much more than just meals- they bring a smile, friendly conversation, care and connection to individuals who may otherwise be isolated. Volunteers also conduct wellness checks during meals deliveries and report to program staff their observations and concerns. In 2023, MOWLB volunteers conducted over 87,000 wellness checks. Pets are Family Too: For many of our homebound clients, their cats and dogs are their closest companions. Our Pets are Family Too Program delivers food for our clients furry friends, helping to ensure that beloved pets remain at home, well-fed, and happy. Client Support Services Program and Referrals:The Client Support Services Program helps to ensure all our clients' basic needs are met, enabling them to stay safe, comfortable, and happy in their own homes for as long as possible. When a client's needs extend beyond our capabilities, we refer them to other local nonprofit organizations with whom we partner, and work to ensure they receive the assistance they need. We also secure donations of mobility equipment and care supplies, such as walkers, wheelchairs, and bedding. To help further care for our clients, Meals on Wheels of Long Beach can provide many personal hygiene items. Hygiene kits are available to all Meals on Wheels of Long Beach clients. Telephone Reassurance Program:Social isolation can be a significant issue for our homebound clients, putting them at greater risk of depression and serious illness. Our Telephone Reassurance Program provides friendly and supportive calls once or twice a week to clients who feel the need for more social interaction than friendly meal deliveries can provide. Each call reduces loneliness and brings new opportunities to build deeper connections, forge friendships, and enrich our clients lives. California State University, Long Beach Nursing Student Partnership:Meals on Wheels of Long Beach proudly partners with the Nursing program at California State University, Long Beach. Nursing students are assigned to clients who need extra care and attention. Students conduct health assessments and identify real-life challenges clients face, such as limited internet access, financial strain, difficulties in home management and upkeep, and transportation problems, which often go unnoticed in clinical settings. They work with staff and professors to develop solutions and obtain resources for clients to resolve such issues, helping to make their lives easier and less stressful.