For Friends and Neighbors of Crown Center for Senior Living DECEMBER 2024
Before I joined Crown Center nearly a year ago, I knew it was a remarkable organization. I had heard about the exceptional work of the board, volunteers, staff, and everyone involved.
Now, as Executive Director, I can affirm that everything I heard was true—and more. As our local population ages, Crown Center exemplifies what affordable housing should be: a place where older adults can thrive in spaces designed for their needs, fostering a sense of belonging regardless of financial circumstances.
The impact we have is tremendous, and while I can’t capture it all in one message, I want to highlight our Meals on Wheels program; the recipients and the incredible people who make it possible. With over 400 meals delivered each week, this would not happen without our supporters and a dedicated team of volunteers and staff. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of these team members and share stories from those who benefit from their efforts. Andy Thorp, Executive Director
Who is preparing the food for our Meals on Wheels program?
Crown opened the Circle@Crown Cafe on March 2, 2015. On that day, Bev Sagel, a new volunteer was ready to go to work. Now, almost 10 years later, Bev is still a vital part of the Crown family and works alongside other committed volunteers, packaging and preparing meals for the kosher Meals on Wheels (MOW) program operated by the Cafe. We sat with Bev and asked her what she’s learned from her decade at Crown Center.
What do you want people to know about Crown Center’s Meals on Wheels program that they might not know?
So much thought is put into the preparation of the meals. They are well-balanced with protein, fruits and vegetables –all the required foods for a good diet. The meals are kosher which allows the program to be inclusive. There is a dedicated group of volunteers who package and deliver over 400 well-balanced meals per week.
What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a MOW volunteer?
Meals on Wheels provides a necessary service for people who might have difficulties in providing for themselves. And, I feel good working in the Cafe - it keeps me active and makes me feel useful.
I invite anyone who might be interested to come and volunteer one day with us. You can meet our dedicated group of people and see if you enjoy the experience. I think you will!
Bev Sagel
So much thought is put into the preparation of the meals.
Who is Delivering Meals?
Erin became involved with Crown when a friend recruited her for a board position. She knew of the organization because she had a relative that had once lived at Crown. Now, 14 years later, Erin is still a board member and now a Meals on Wheels volunteer driver. We asked Erin about her experience with Crown’s MOW program:
Can you share a memorable experience or connection you made with a meal recipient?
I feel like I’ve become an extended family member. I get life advice about how to stay healthy and happy, even into your 90s. The secret - always wake up with a healthy attitude. I’ve brought in people’s newspapers and trash cans. It’s not part of the job, but it’s so easy for me to be able to help.
What’s the best thing about being a volunteer for Crown Center’s Meals on Wheels program?
It makes me happy that I’m helping people that are homebound. Delivering food is such a mitzvah. It’s another wonderful aspect of Crown Center’s mission – different than what most people get to experience. I make sure the delivery is a dignified experience. I even brought my daughter with me once and she loved her experience.
Erin Schuver I feel like I’ve become an extended family member.
Who is Receiving
Meals?
Please note that the names are withheld for privacy at the request of the recipients.
Mr. & Mrs. W. have been part of Crown Center’s Meals on Wheels program for over 5 years. They live nearby and frequently had dinner with friends who lived at Crown. During the pandemic, they switched to picking up their meals and continue to do so today. We asked the couple a few questions about their experience with Crown’s MOW program.
What do you like most about being part of MOW?
Keeping kosher can be difficult and costly, but Crown makes it easy. I find the meals to be filling and delicious. I’ve had a few challenging years with some surgeries and find that I just don’t have the energy to prepare meals every night. During my hospital stays, I was grateful to know that my husband would have something nutritious to eat.
What do you want people to know about participating in Crown’s MOW program?
As we age, we’re finding food shopping to be tough. Of course, you can easily buy “convenience” food but it’s not necessarily healthy. Also, we hate to waste food so if we don’t buy the right amounts or don’t eat it quickly, it can go bad.
Budgetarily, it’s also helpful. We’re so thankful for the generosity of the donors.
Crown Center makes it easy to have something nutritious to eat.
Celebrating Crown Center’s Grand Reopening
Guests at Crown Center’s Grand Reopening gathered to celebrate the new Crown Center Phase 1 Apartment Building and Staenberg Commons. The event was a chance to exchange stories, celebrate with community partners, and express gratitude to funders.
Rise Gilliom
Michael Staenberg, Mitch Baden, Scott Sciortino
David Lang, Irl Scissors, Cassie Malane , Dan Cohen
Nancy Morrow-Howell, Marylen Mann
Larry Gast, Andy Thorp, Karen Sher
Making an Impact: Helping Older Adults in Need
With your generous support of Crown Center’s Annual Friends Campaign, you can help older adults address difficulties by providing vital programs and services to make life better. A donation to Crown Center of any amount makes a positive impact directly and immediately.
Your gift will provide funds so that senior adults in our local community will continue to:
1find support to help deal with challenges of aging.
Thank you!
In Memory of
Ruth Novack Alper
Jan & Bob Abrams
Irene Fowle
Nikki Goldstein
Joanne & Joel Iskiwitch
Mrs. Ronald E. Meyer
Randi Schenberg
Sharon Silverstein
Crown Center Board & Staff
Susan Molasky Bernstein
Joyce & Richard Becker
Nekhama Bolotnikova
Crown Center Board & Staff
Ben Borowsky
Les & Wendy Borowsky
Betsy & Spencer Garland
Nikki & Paul Goldstein
Andrew & Lisa Thorp
Crown Center Board & Staff
Sean Bricker
Edward Goldenhersh
Benita Brimer
Mimi & Marty Levy
Michael Eisen
Randi & David Schenberg
We apologize for any mistakes or omissions.
2 receive fresh, nutritious Meals on Wheels.
3 avoid loneliness and live in dignity –regardless of their financial situation.
Your gift matters and your charitable donation is needed now.
