[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 73 (Monday, April 29, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E395]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





   RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE YPSILANTI MEALS ON WHEELS 
                                PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 29, 2024

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ypsilanti 
Meals on Wheels on the occasion of their 50 years of service to the 
community. The care and service that they provide to older members of 
the Ypsilanti community is worthy of commendation.
  Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels began at the suggestion of the Ypsilanti's 
Mayor's Council on Aging in 1973. This program began with 16 homebound 
neighbors receiving home-delivered meals, and has since expanded into a 
reliable and strong force in Washtenaw County. The organization now 
includes pet food delivery through a partnership with the Huron Valley 
Humane Society, home repairs, and a program that helps seniors live 
more safely while remaining in the comfort of their own homes. The 
level of care and dedication to recipients of this organization is 
shown as it offers vegetarian meals, produce delivery, as well as 
medically friendly and culturally sensitive options. Additionally, 
Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels delivers all seven days of the week, ensuring 
that all senior clients get fresh meals each day.
  The success of Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels would not be possible 
without the numerous partnerships they have. The support of these 
community organizations enables the program to run and deliver food to 
homes every day. The First Baptist Church of Ypsilanti was their first 
partner when the program started, their original home, and still plays 
a huge role in supporting them today. YMOW also works with staff and 
students from the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan 
University to help with the initial intake process of community members 
and partners with Michigan Medicine's Patient Food and Nutrition 
Services to produce the meals. These partnerships also allow for YMOW's 
other services to the community, including the Pets Assisting the Lives 
of Seniors (P.A.L.S.) program that is run with the support of the 
Humane Society. All of these partnerships demonstrate how integrated 
the program is throughout the community and the extent of its aid 
throughout Southeastern Michigan.
  Dedicated to serving older adults, Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels has 
demonstrated its commitment to the community throughout these last five 
decades. By providing nutritious meals, social interaction with 
community members, and other services, this organization allows the 
homebound residents in Washtenaw County the opportunity to maintain 
independence and comfort by living in their own homes. Every member of 
a community deserves to feel safe and happy, and this organization 
ensures that some of our most vulnerable members are able to thrive.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 
50th anniversary of Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels. For the last half-
century, the program has been diligently serving the older adults of 
the community when they need it most. We thank Ypsilanti Meals on 
Wheels and its team members for its service to the Sixth District and 
are excited to see how the program keeps serving the community.

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