Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1302793
As the executive director of Meals on Wheels, Susan Gregory is ultimately responsible for serving 30,000 meals a month to seniors and other homebound individuals. More than a meal, Gregory considers her work a "lifeline." "It's so simple, and yet at the same time it's so complicated," she said about Meals on Wheels. "We are truly a lifeline and what a privilege it is to be there for somebody when they are in a place that is really scary." For 45 years, Meals on Wheels has been a consistent provider of a meal and a friendly touch for seniors and those with other health restrictions that require them to be homebound. Because of COVID-19, that number has increased dramatically as people self-isolate because of medical conditions, or are no longer able to work. "When COVID-19 hit, we had to address how we protect those who trust us come into their homes, because part of it was chatting with them," Gregory said. "What sets us apart is that social connection. For many of them, we are the only people they see." Now, meals are delivered with a wave from the end of the driveway, but they still are delivered. A grocery pilot program has been created with support from the Community Foundation of Central Georgia and the United Way to provide additional meals – including food for pets. "Susan jumped in and volunteered to pilot a grocery delivery program for seniors in the region, not just in Bibb County," said Kathryn Dennis, president of the Community Foundation. "She worked with United Way's 211 to develop a way to register seniors and has partnered with the Fuller Center for Housing and the Mentors Project for volunteers to help with the delivery. Susan also saw the need for seniors to have more social interaction so she developed a buddy program for volunteers to call lonely seniors. She exemplifies the 'stronger together' mantra that has permeated these difficult times!" As for herself, Gregory is adamant that she's no hero. "I'm doing what I'm supposed to do every day, it's a privilege and an honor," she said. "Access to food is a human right. Right now, it's so important because it's such an uncertain time. People are concerned about so many things, if I can alleviate the concern of groceries, that's the least I can do." —Renee Corwine Susan Gregory 14