Mission Statement |
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Meals on Wheels of Rowan, Inc. (MOW), a United Way member agency, is a community based, non-profit organization whose mission is: “To provide a meal and friendly visit to the homebound of Rowan County.” MOW was established in May, 1976 when the need of several homebound citizens of Rowan County, unable to prepare meals for themselves, was noticed. To facilitate their needs, and allow them to remain at home, where they were most comfortable, MOW was formed. Another significant part of the MOW program is the daily friendly face-to-face contact clients receive when the MOW volunteer deliver the meal to the client's home. The weekday meal delivery also serves as a "safety check" and alleviates isolation and loneliness and provides social interaction.
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History of Meals on Wheels
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The first Meals on Wheels originated in Great Britain in 1939 during the Blitz when many people lost their homes and had no place to prepare meals. The Women's Volunteer Service for Civil Defense delivered prepared meals to disadvantaged neighbors. These women brought refreshments in canteens to serviceman during World War II. The canteens were affectionately called "meals on wheels". The Meals on Wheels idea spread with the first U.S. home delivered meals program in 1954 in Philadelphia, PA.
Our Rowan County Meals on Wheels program began through the efforts of Anne Ramsey, who was joined by other concerned citizens of Rowan County to form a committee to research other programs related to hunger relief. They formed a committee, researched other programs, made a proposal to the United Way of Rowan County and became incorporated on May 13, 1976. For nearly fifteen years, Meals on Wheels remained a totally volunteer driven organization operated from board member's homes. Eventually, personnel were hired to manage the agency under the direction of the Board of Directors. A formal office was established and is located on West Innes Street.
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Organization
Meals on Wheels of Rowan, Inc. is a community based, non-profit organization, administered by a full time Executive Director and support staff who are located in the Meals on Wheels office. Our Board of Directors consists of eighteen community conscious volunteers oversee Meals on Wheels' operations during their three year term. Each year the board holds elections for officers, including President, Vice-president, Executive and Recording Secretaries and Treasurer. Elected officers and board members create and periodically review by-laws, establish annual goals and help organize various community awareness and fund-raising, and assuring the nutritious content and quality of meals is met.
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