The Perry Lutheran Homes was recently awarded a $95,000 Community Betterment Grant from Prairie Meadows casino.
The grant comes at a crucial time as demand for meal services continues to rise, particularly among vulnerable populations who rely on the program not only for nutritious meals but also for social interaction and a sense of community, the Perry Lutheran Homes said in announcing the award.
“This funding support will significantly enhance the ability to serve more elders through the expansion of the Meals on Wheels program,” said Mollie A. Clark, marketing director for the Perry Lutheran Homes. “It ensures that more seniors in the community have access to nutritious meals and personal care.”
Clarks said the grant will allow the Perry Lutheran Homes to increase the number of meal recipients, improve delivery logistics and enhance community engagement through the Meals on Wheels program. The grant will fund additional delivery vehicles and supplies, such as trays and insulated bags to ensure meals remain hot during delivery, she said, and will enhance volunteer and community outreach efforts.
“At Prairie Meadows, we are dedicated to transforming the lives of central Iowans,” said Prairie Meadows Senior Vice President of Community Relations Julie Stewart. “We are proud to support Perry Lutheran Homes Meals on Wheels program and many other projects in our community.”
Lynette Groenenboom, Perry Lutheran Homes director of development, said the Meals on Wheels program plays a vital role in combating food insecurity among seniors in Perry and the surrounding areas.
“Ensuring home-bound older adults have nutritious meals is something that needs the support of our community and additional partners, like Prairie Meadows,” Groenenboom said. “With the support from Prairie Meadows, we can ensure that more seniors receive the nutritious meals they need, along with the warmth and companionship, and connection to community that comes with our delivery service team and volunteers.”
The Perry Lutheran Homes has provided quality care, services and advocacy in Perry for nearly 70 years. The Meals on Wheels program is just one of the ways the Perry Lutheran Homes strives to improve the quality of life for our older friends and neighbors.
If you or someone you know who lives in northern Dallas County could benefit from regular, nutritious meals and friendly visits, contact Gina Kokemuller at gkokemuller@PerryLutheranHomes.org or 515-465-5316. For more information, visit the PLH’s Meals on Wheels website.
Mollie A. Clark is the director of marketing for the Perry Lutheran Homes.