Name: Adam Hauser
Title: President and CEO
Organization: Meals on Wheels Central Texas
How did you become interested in this work?
My connection with MOWCTX began in 1988 when as a young lawyer in Austin looking for ways to give back to the community, I volunteered to deliver meals. After almost 30 years as a volunteer and over 15 years of service on the MOWCTX board, it was a natural next step for me to take on the leadership role at MOWCTX.
What drives your passion?
What excites me every day is being in a position to enrich the lives of and honor older adults in our community who need our help, whether it be by providing a meal, advocating for their interests, repairing their home, taking care of their pets or any of the other many services we offer.
Does your organization offer any programs other than home meal delivery? If so, what are they?
Yes. We offer in-home care, home repair, pet food and basic veterinary care, meals and daytime senior activities at community centers, respite care, shelf-stable groceries delivery, grocery shopping assistance, after-school meals for kids, telehealth treatment for depression, and connecting seniors with technology.
What’s the biggest challenge in your work?
Ensuring that we continue to have the resources to accomplish our mission in the face of increased demand for our services by older adults who are located in larger geographic regions.
What’s the best advice that you have ever received?
Be yourself and speak from your heart.
Was there a client, volunteer, or poignant moment in your work that has had a great impact on you?
Yes, the first time I delivered a meal to a client nearly 30 years ago and witnessed first-hand the beauty and importance of our mission. It’s more than just a meal!