Name: Grace Jackson, MA
Title: Senior Services Director
Organization: Northwest Assistance Ministries
How did you become interested in this work?
I began working with our agency senior programs about 7 years ago as the Director. It has been an honor to help serve our seniors in the community, working alongside the dedicated staff and volunteers it shows anyone can make a difference in the world.
What drives your passion?
As a clinician, human services’ purpose is to assist in addressing people needs, looking for creative solutions. Meals on Wheels does that job in so many ways, it is a pleasure to assist in that endeavor. Every week I receive a call or letter from our client’s indicating how much they appreciate all the things we do for them.
Does your organization offer any other programs besides meal delivery?
We have a congregate meal program and limited transportation in our service area. For MOW we offer time-limited case management services, a supplemental grocery program, and a pet program.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
To always remember that working together, we can accomplish far more than we can separately.
What is the biggest challenge in your work?
The needs of our community are changing, thus transportation is limited outside of the city limits, and so that is major concern for our seniors along with adequate funding for those services.
Was there a client, volunteer, or poignant moment in your work that has had a great impact on you?
There are so many, however most recently we recently received a specialty grant that allowed us to be able to assist one of our seniors who has mobility issues and limited financial resources. We were able to purchase a wheelchair, and a bed for her. When she received those items she contacted us with so much gratitude, she was overwhelmed. It was such a joy to be able to assist her.