Client Services

St. Vincent Meals on Wheels provides a comprehensive assessment of needs and offers support services to enhance health and safety, support independent living, and promote quality of life, so that our clients can continue to live happy, independent lives in their own homes. These services include:

Crisis Intervention

When a volunteer or staff member encounters a dangerous or emergency situation, they are equipped to get immediate help and are dedicated to remaining with the client until help arrives. Emergency contacts are notified. This service has saved lives!

Wellness and Safety Checks

When a client unexpectedly does not answer the door or misses a meal delivery, SVMOW staff follow up with the client to determine if he/she is OK. If not, emergency contacts and/or family members are alerted and action steps are taken to assist the client as best as possible.

Related Services and Referrals

SVMOW offers nutrition education and provides links to other services and programs in the community to support independent living so that our clients can remain healthy and safe in their homes and communities.

Social Call Program

This volunteer-supported service is available to our homebound clients who lack support and may be at an elevated risk of loneliness or social isolation. Clients are assigned a friendly telephone buddy who calls during the day or in the evening, depending on a mutually agreed-upon schedule. The Social Call Program uses Motion Picture and Television Fund model for its provision of services.

Home Sweet Home

St. Vincent Meals on Wheels makes this vital lifeline available for seniors facing financial challenges and sudden hardships. By providing essential items like walkers, grab bars, microwave ovens, mini-refrigerators and assistance with rent and utility payments, the program has made a tangible impact on the daily lives of clients, offering much-needed support and relief based on need, on a one-time basis. Helping clients get caught up on these past due bills allows them to get a fresh start at working on staying up to date with their future bills, which relieves a lot of stress.

Talking Tech Program

This volunteer-supported service is available to our homebound clients who are interested in learning about improving their technology skills to connect with others and enhance their abilities to acquire useful information online. Tech classes include basic use of devices and internet, online activities for education and socialization (e.g. Zoom, exercise), online ordering (e.g. groceries, essential supplies), and Social Media and Networking.

Pet Food Delivery – Bone Appetit Program

We offer our clients with pets the option of having pet food delivered to help make it possible for them to keep their beloved animal companions by their side. The pet food is delivered once/month by volunteers and is free to the recipient. Scientific research confirms that pets improve the physical and mental well-being of their human caregivers.

Food Bank Delivery

In partnership with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, shelf-stable nutritious food (including produce) is delivered once/month as additional food if the client gets hungry and to protect the client against missed deliveries.

Friendly Visitor Program

Friendly visitors have an opportunity to form relationships with some of the frailest and most isolated seniors in our communities. These seniors often do not reach out for support, and they may have no family or friends who live close by. This client-centered program requires a volunteer who is a good listener, patient, and caring. Volunteers visit and socialize in the home of one older adult once weekly. In some cases, this may be a phone call, per the client’s request.