St. Vincent Meals on Wheels Engages in Sacramento
This past week, St. Vincent Meals on Wheels CEO Veronica Dover, along with Director of Development Julie Delgadillo, resident dietitian Itchaqueira Fontanez, Gina Provencio, and longtime donor and volunteer Nancy Babka, participated in the 2025 Meals on Wheels California Conference (MOWCA) in Sacramento. The conference provided a dynamic platform for addressing topics such as volunteerism, combating senior isolation, fundraising, and the innovative use of AI in nonprofits.
Held in our state capital, the event focused on advocacy and impact, underscoring the essential role of MOWCA-member organizations across California. From rural areas to urban centers, these programs are committed to going #BeyondtheMeal, delivering not just hot meals but also community and care to seniors statewide.
The unity and shared dedication to our seniors’ well-being were evident throughout the three-day conference. Veronica contributed to a breakout session on emergency preparedness, sharing insights from our experience during the recent LA fires. Her descriptions of how SVMOW acted as a first responder to the immediate needs of our homebound clients highlighted the vital role that our team and volunteers play, ensuring that the seniors we serve throughout LA County remain fed and safe during crises.
Among the esteemed experts at the conference was Dr. Laura Trejo, Director of the Aging and Disabilities Department in Los Angeles. Her session, focusing on “The Dynamics of Aging,” emphasized the importance of addressing both the challenges and opportunities presented by LA County’s rapidly growing senior population—one of the fastest-growing groups of older adults in the USA. The discussions underscored that older adults are pillars of our community and that our mission extends beyond food to include connection, empowerment, and acknowledgment of their contributions to the vibrancy of our state.
The passion and commitment of leaders across the state to making life livable and safe for seniors inspired us all. The ongoing support from our donors, like Nancy, empowers us to continue this vital work and reach more seniors in need. As we exchanged knowledge in Sacramento, it became clear that together, with donor and community support, we can build a place where everyone, including our St. Vincent Meals on Wheels staff and volunteers and those they care for, can thrive.
