Jackie Hamm, The Kitchen

I left the corporate world in 2001 to be home during my son’s senior year of high school. I didn’t want to miss a football game, baseball game, or anything else he was involved in. During this time I did some volunteer work and was a substitute teacher. I really enjoyed my volunteer work in the nonprofit world and loved how fulfilled it made me feel. I knew that I was doing good deeds for those in need but I was the one getting the reward! I accepted a position with the American Red Cross Blood Services. I set up and recruited for blood drives and was promoted to manage the blood donations in the state of Texas for 5 years. During a downsize my position was eliminated. I soon realized that was only the beginning. I accepted a position with Meals on Wheels and it has become my passion in life! I LOVE Meals on Wheels!

Knowing that people are depending on us to have a meal. Knowing that someone could be in a critical state and if we were not there to check on them during their meal delivery, it could mean life or death.

My biggest challenges are realizing that we can’t be everything to everyone! We prepare and deliver meals and attempt to put our clients in touch with the most knowledgeable people to help with other needs.

Does your organization offer any programs other than home meal delivery?

Yes, we have 2 congregate sites – The Red Door and The Green Door. We also have a partnership with the Wichita Falls Area Food Bank and prepare the meals for their Kids Café program.

My biggest challenges are realizing that we can’t be everything to everyone! We prepare and deliver meals and attempt to put our clients in touch with the most knowledgeable people to help with other needs.

Pick your battles.

This happens almost weekly….We receive a card, letter, or phone call from a beneficiary (of our services) thanking us for the food, birthday card, or the volunteer who delivers the meal. This is what it’s all about…