Supporting healthy living in older adults means program changes

Horizons Meals On Wheels and the Witwer Center announced a collaboration project today to support the nutrition and healthy aging needs of older adults in our community. In the midst of program funding cuts, both providers are facing serious challenges and are collaborating to ensure no older adult in the Cedar Rapids area is left behind.

On October 1, 2011 the Witwer Center, an affiliate of Abbe Inc., will shift its focus from a senior meal provider to a healthy aging initiative.  Witwer will transition its home-delivered and congregate meal programs to Horizons. The Witwer healthy aging programs will promote the physical and emotional well-being of older adults throughout the aging process. These services will be offered at various locations in the community and at the current congregate meal sites throughout Linn County.

Horizons Meals On Wheels will open their doors to existing Witwer meal clients with the promise to continue the outstanding service they're accustomed to.  Horizons offers fresh, hot meals delivered every day of the week.  The kitchen creates frozen meal and breakfast options as well.  Clients are empowered with a choice of daily lunch entrees.  “We work together as a team everyday to serve our clients with the love and respect they deserve,” said Dianna Young, Horizons Meals On Wheels Director.

Horizons and Witwer are collaborating during this period of community transition to guarantee seamless service delivery continues.  “We are pleased to be able to partner with Horizons to assure the nutritional needs of our seniors continue to be met, while also addressing healthy aging issues that can enhance the quality of life for older adults,” said Myrt Bowers, Witwer Center Executive Director.

Ingrid Wensel, Executive Director, Heritage Area Agency on Aging, an administrator for state and federal dollars to area Meals On Wheels programs, stated, “Heritage is pleased to continue our commitment to supporting senior nutrition programs with Horizons and healthy aging programming with the Witwer Center.  These programs work to ensure at risk seniors are being served and such partnerships are critical for long term sustainability.”

Bill Gardam, Horizons President & CEO commented, “Both Witwer and Horizons remain steadfast advocates of senior services in our community and proudly collaborate together with the best interests of vulnerable older adults in mind.”   Dan Strellner, President & CEO of Abbe, Inc. added,  “This is a great example of two not for profit organizations coming together in a time of limited resources to offer very important services in the most efficient manner.”