We are excited to introduce Shane Latson as our May Mission Ambassador. Shane has been a Meals on Wheels volunteer since 2009. For the past 14 years, he has been a dedicated Home Delivered Meals volunteer, delivering a route every Thursday from right here in Central Kitchen.
“The neighbors have changed over the years, but I have built a friendship with many of them.”
He and a neighbor on his route have an ongoing conversation spanning weeks. It’s a rolling conversation each week that’s always nice to stop for five minutes and get to hear about their day, their family, how they are doing.
“It is nice to have those relationships and insights into their worlds.”
For many of his neighbors that he delivers to in East Austin, this has been their home for decades. Shane is glad these neighbors get to continue to call their home their home. Many neighbors are receiving these meals for a reason, so he is grateful to be of service and to make sure they receive the meals they depend on.
Since Shane began volunteering with Meals on Wheels Central Texas 14 years ago, he has seen the organization grow.
“It has been nice to see the evolution of MOW and the holistic path they are on. The changes and growth are always looking toward the best for the core of the mission.”
Shane spoke highly of NeighborNav, the app we use to deliver digital route sheets. Using the app has helped ease communication with the neighbor and streamlined the delivery process.
Rather than having to call the MOW office when a neighbor is away, volunteers can call the neighbors directly to coordinate if they are unable to receive their meal that day. The ease of that communication has truly shaved minutes off Shane’s routes in the past months.
It also makes reporting issues or concerns for the neighbor much easier. Now our dedicated neighbor care coordinators can be informed quicker and contact neighbors for much-needed wellness checks in a timely manner.
There are many ways to get involved and support the Meals on Wheels Central Texas mission. Join us for meal delivery or donate to deliver nutrition, connection, and independence to older adults and other homebound neighbors across Central Texas.
Shane shares, “It is a great way to get out of the office and into the community. I highly recommend anyone looking for a volunteer opportunity to consider Meals on Wheels, as it is very fulfilling and a great organization. It doesn’t take a lot of time, and it is always the bright spot in my week.”
Thank you, Shane, for your continued commitment and dedication to our mission. Together, we prevent local hunger right at the doorstep.
About the Mission Ambassador program
Through our Mission Ambassadors program, we highlight members of our community who have been exemplary in both their passion for our mission and their dedication to uplifting and empowering our neighbors. Together, we strive to uplift our homebound neighbors and advocate for the services that help them remain dignified and independent.
Looking for a way to support this mission? We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities in Austin and across Central Texas. In as little as a single lunch hour, your compassion can make a direct and meaningful impact on our neighbors' lives.
