Mission:

Meals & Wheels nourishes the bodies, minds, and spirits of older adults in the Heart of Texas through meals, transportation, activities, and volunteer support.

Vision:

Meals & Wheels nourishes the bodies, minds, and spirits of older adults in the Heart of Texas through meals, transportation, activities, and volunteer support.

History:

In 1967 the 102nd session of the Central Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, meeting in Fort Worth, voted to create Inner City Ministry for the Waco metropolitan area. The purpose of the agency was to meet any social service needs in Waco. In 1988 the name of the agency was changed to Central Texas SENIOR MINISTRY to reflect the expansion in service area and the program emphasis on ministry to the elderly.

While the specific programs and services have changed since its founding, the agency's primary concern has always been human needs, with present emphasis upon services to and for the elderly. CTSM is dedicated to the belief that aging is a normal developmental process of life and that older adults should be encouraged and enabled to continue making contributions to their communities. To do this, the agency seeks to foster programs that encourage intergenerational relationships and linkages within their peer groups. The agency has a commitment to serve as an advocate and change agent on behalf of older persons in the community.

CTSM's emphasis on providing services for the elderly began in 1969 with the Meals On Wheels Waco program. The program has grown since its inception. Over 750 volunteers prepare and deliver meals out of 23 locations, in Waco.

The commitment to homebound elderly led CTSM into other areas of involvement with the elders of this region. In 1973, CTSM began operating senior centers in rural McLennan County. During the early '80s, Falls County was added as a service area; and in 1986, CTSM assumed responsibility for the operation of senior centers in Waco from the Parks and Recreation Department. Senior Ministry began serving Hill County in 1998.

CTSM's senior centers are designed to provide a place for seniors to obtain information about services available and to participate in activities in such areas as education, creative arts, recreation, leadership development, health and nutrition. Senior centers provide a supportive community fostering health and independence. The centers serve group (congregate) lunches, and in rural areas the senior centers also serve home delivered meals.

CTSM has also operated a transportation program since the '70s. The agency provides transportation for the 60+ population to medical facilities, grocery stores, social service agencies and senior centers. During 1990, the agency began a public transportation program that serves a younger population residing in rural areas. This service has a fixed rate system. It is able to provide transportation to jobs as well as for medical trips.

In response to the growth in the 85+ portion of the population, CTSM recently purchased a building located at 501 West Waco Drive. In April of 1999, this building became the central offices of SENIOR MINISTRY and the Senior Nutrition Kitchen. The building provides 14,000 square feet of space. The kitchen and warehouse are 8,000 square feet, and the office area occupies 6,000 square feet. When at full capacity, the kitchen will be able to provide 4,000 meals per day.

Central Texas SENIOR MINISTRY can meet the challenges of the present and future by facilitating communities cooperative spirit, increasing its volunteer force, tapping into new financial resources, and empowering older adults to meet the challenges they face with grace and humor.