Rep. Bolinsky Volunteers with Meals on Wheels
NEWTOWN – As part of Meals on Wheels’ “March on Wheels” campaign, Newtown State Representative Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) visited and helped deliver meals to local seniors on March 24th.
This is the 14th annual March on Wheels campaign to raise awareness both about the services of Meals on Wheels and the issues of senior nutrition and isolation. Rep. Bolinsky has participated in the past with local partner, New Opportunities, Inc. and advocates actively for local non-profit programs for seniors. He is also a co-sponsor of House Bill 5284 this session, pertaining to elderly nutrition programs.
Bolinsky rode with Richard, a Meals on Wheels driver, for the second time and delivered meals to seniors residing in Newtown. He spent time with each client, speaking to them about the program in addition to any concerns they may have at the state level. “I was so pleased to once again participate in this great service,” said Rep. Bolinsky. “Meals on Wheels drivers and volunteers are a lifeline to homebound seniors, providing nutritious meals to clients, plus they provide safety checks and personal visits to our seniors. I saw firsthand the special relationships that the staff members at Meals on Wheels have developed with our senior neighbors and I am truly grateful for the caring, much-needed services they provide.”
Rep. Bolinsky visited with Bill and Virginia Barry of Newtown during his time volunteering with Meals on Wheels.
Lisa LaBonte, Director of Senior Nutrition Services for New Opportunities, Inc., took the time to speak with Rep. Bolinsky about programs offered by Meals on Wheels and possible cost saving measures that the organization is exploring in the future, especially in the face of program funding cuts at the state level.
“NOI Meals on Wheels would like to thank Representative Bolinsky for taking the time out of his busy schedule to deliver meals to Meals on Wheels recipients as part of our Community Champions Week,” said Ms. LaBonte. “His understanding of the tremendous impact that the meal and daily visit has on those receiving the service is greatly appreciated. We are very grateful for Representative Bolinsky’s support of our funding situation and recognizing that home delivered meals can actually save the state and health care entities money by keeping seniors independent in their own home.”
“Look, we all know Connecticut is in a fiscal bind but, this is the kind of essential human-service safety-net program that, to me, is non-negotiable, when it comes to funding preservation. Our society is measured by how we view and treat our most vulnerable, whether they are seniors, developmentally disabled, alternative learners and the like.” Bolinsky continued. “Meals on Wheels and similar, non-profit, private-public partnerships do so much good and they are so much more efficient at delivering services than state agencies. What they do allows seniors to lead healthy, independent lives and ‘age in place’, saving the state money, versus more institutional alternatives and emergency hospitalizations. I fully support what they do. They’re a winner!”
Meals on Wheels serves over 23,500 seniors in Connecticut, including over 6,000 who receive meals directly in their home.
For more information about the senior nutrition services offered by New Opportunities, Inc. and Meals on Wheels, please contact (203) 757-7738 in the Waterbury area and (203) 743-5418 in the Danbury area. You can also email Nutrition@NewOpportunitiesInc.org.