On Wednesday, Jan. 18, dozens of community members and leaders gathered together to celebrate the reveal of Meals on Wheels San Diego County’s newly remodeled office at its South County Service Center inside Norman Park Senior Center in Chula Vista. The nonprofit has been serving the South County community for over 60 years.
The nonprofit held a ribbon cutting ceremony where Chula Vista Mayor John McCann and Andrew Harvey, Community Representative with San Diego County Supervisor Nora Vargas’ office attended to celebrate the new space.
To commemorate the special occasion, Chula Vista Mayor John McCann and Andrew Harvey, Community Representative with San Diego County Supervisor Nora Vargas’ office attended the ceremony to celebrate the new space. In addition, Harvey presented a proclamation in honor of the newly remodeled space, declaring Jan. 18 as “Meals on Wheels Day” throughout San Diego County.
“We have been a part of the Chula Vista community for over six decades, but have found that many are unaware of our presence in South County,” says Chequita Falls, South County Service Center Director, Meals on Wheels San Diego County. “Through this remodel, we hope to create a more dignified and welcoming environment where seniors are proud to sign up and that volunteers are excited to visit.”
What’s changed
Meals on Wheels San Diego County did a complete remodel of the office space from top to bottom. The new updates included workstations, a staff lounge area, a reception area, carpet, plants, a fresh coat of paint and more.
With its new office space, Meals on Wheels San Diego County can now proudly engage with the community, invite them on tours, and encourage more participation in its volunteer program. The nonprofit will also be able to more easily attract and retain the highest quality of staff that care deeply about their older neighbors and who possess the skills to communicate with people of all ages and in a variety of languages.
What’s to come
The South County Service Center currently serves 326 seniors and has 96 active volunteers delivering throughout the region, and is in need of more volunteers to meet increasing demands.
“Just think of us as a one-stop-shop for seniors that are looking for community, as well as the ease of picking up their nutritious and affordable meals in a space that is bright, beautiful and welcoming to all,” says Falls. “Our new office will allow the community to better see us in action, which in turn will help us not only increase our volunteers, but also donations to ensure our seniors have access to our programs and services for many more years to come.”