Social Workers are Client Advocates

In addition to nutritious meals, FeedMore WNY’s Home Delivered Meals (HDM) program provides social interaction, wellness checks and other services as needed.

Bonnie McMorrow, a social worker with FeedMore for 34 years, says, “I love the work, the mission and the support we provide to our seniors. “After someone applies to join the HDM program, applications are sent to Senior Services, where a case manager determines eligibility. Then, a Social Worker is assigned, the client is called and home delivered meal service begins.   FeedMore social worker Erin Baker loves knowing that the service she provides is a relief, not only to the individuals receiving help but also to family members who can’t check on their loved ones every day.

HDM volunteers are extremely important to our clients as well. Many clients live alone, which makes every delivery visit an important social interaction. When the meal is delivered, if contact isn’t made with the client at the door or by calling their phone number, the volunteer calls FeedMore’s Social Work team and they immediately call the family contact or case worker. This is a critical safety check.

FeedMore employees also take turns delivering meals. Donna Sutz, a social worker with us for 25 years, says “it means a lot to go to the homes of people I helped set up on service, to see how they are doing.” 

During extreme weather and other potentially unsafe circumstances, FeedMore staff make wellness calls, making sure each client is safe and sound.  

Home-delivered meals mean so much to seniors who should be able to enjoy the familiarity and comfort of home!