Dear Editor,

I am writing to you in regards to a serious matter involving senior citizens in your community. Combined Community Action, Inc. has been providing Meals on Wheels in your area for many years and unfortunately we are experiencing an expected deficit in finances. We currently serve homebound clients and congregate clients in 6 counties including Bastrop, Blanco, Fayette, Lee, Hays and Caldwell. We are reaching out to you to help us continue providing services to all these areas.

I would like to start by explaining the importance of our program. Not only do we serve hot meals daily for low to no cost, but we also provide companionship and general health checks to home bound clients. In January 2012, a volunteer delivered a meal to a homebound client. The client had fallen and could not reach the phone to call his family for help. He was believed to have been on the floor, confused, since Sunday afternoon until found Monday during the meal delivery time. A medic was called and he was taken to the local hospital and treated. We take credit for helping this gentleman and possibly having saved his life. This is one of many instances that we have helped clients other than serving meals. Also, as the economy continues to weaken, we are adding many more clients that cannot afford the $2 requested donation per meal. We are aware these clients would not eat if it weren’t for Meals on Wheels.

Funding for our program is provided by local, state and national governments, civic organizations, fundraisers and private donations. Approximately 65% of our funding comes from the Area Agency on Aging. The remainder of the funding is expected to be funded through local grants, donations and fundraisers. Unfortunately, these means stated have not been sufficient. We ended the program year with over a $40,000 deficit and will continue to increase without your help. We feel it is important to notify the community and our clients of the challenges and the deficit we are facing. We served about 114,000 meals last year and we truly hope to be able to continue serving at this volume.

We truly care about the health and well being of our clients and it is difficult for us to acknowledge the situation we are facing. Our agency is reaching out to other programs, potential new donors, local organizations, etc. for any help possible. Our clients have become more than a “client” – they are our friends and extended family. Our relationships with these individuals drive our motivation to raise enough money to continue our program. Feel free to contact Jen Bernshausen, Program Director, with any questions at 979-540-2990 or email at jbernshausen@ccaction.com.

Thanks again,

Nick Tirey

Chair, Board of Directors

Combined Community Action, Inc.