3/1/2021 Update:
When I moved to Texas from Missouri, I thought I had said farewell to the ice and frigid temperatures that are synonymous with winter. While the winter storm Uri proved me wrong, it also proved that Texans are resilient, resourceful, and above all kind. With our staff, volunteers, and seniors, this was especially true. Before we even adjusted deliveries, seniors called, worried about our drivers to say, “Don’t deliver my meals, I’ll be fine!” Volunteers and staff, worried about the seniors in turn, called to make sure they were each ok as the freezing weather extended through the week. And after, our case managers connected seniors needing everything from bottled water to a place to stay with exactly that.
The embodiment of true community – neighbor helping neighbor – shown bright through the power outages and brought warmth where there was none. This is the Fort Bend Seniors’ family. Whether in times of disaster or just getting through daily struggles, we walk alongside the seniors we serve, ensuring they have the resources they need to live each day with dignity and the knowledge that they are never alone. You are a part of that family, and whether you’ve reached out to volunteer or make a personal contribution, I am so grateful for your gift of help. The need continues to grow – already this year we’ve welcomed 119 new seniors to our family.
Thank you for helping us offer light, warmth, and nourishment to each one.
Leah
11/24/2020 Update:
This year has undeniably been challenging. As the pandemic has stretched on, we’ve all had days of exhaustion, worry, and uncertainty.
This has been true at home and here at Fort Bend Seniors. Exhaustion – from mornings unloading thousands of meals to ensure our seniors receive the nutrition they need. Worries of exposure – leading us to adjust our entire operation by delivering only once a week, wearing masks and social distancing from the seniors we love to ensure their safety and that of our staff. Uncertainty – amid cancelled fundraisers, concerns of raising enough funds to ensure no eligible senior is turned away. And yet, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude when I take the time to pause and count our many blessings… read more
7/15/2020 Update:
At Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, there is nothing more important than the health and safety of the seniors we serve, our dedicated volunteers, and hard-working staff. At a time when we are seeing a dramatic increase in COVID-19 rates across our community, we are committed to ensuring our clients receive the support they need all while maintaining safety protocols. Our daily operations have changed dramatically, the details are listed here.
We also encourage you to visit our webpage that includes helpful information and stay-home resources, including virtual fitness sessions and tours. Thank you so very much for trusting us with your health and well-being. We are honored to be able to continue serving you through these uncertain times.
If you have any questions about our current efforts or about the services you receive, please contact us at 281.633.7049.
5/1/2020 Update:
Our organization is essential and remains open. However, all Senior Centers remain closed to protect our seniors. We are delivering more than 1,400 meals to seniors, with a new no-contact delivery and sanitizing hands between each delivery. All staff who are able will work remotely to better protect all of our staff. We are still available by phone or email.
With Senior Centers closed, we have compiled a list of activities for seniors, including senior shopping hours, online senior fitness, music, books games, and more! Share this information with the seniors in your life (and help them with their computers or phones, if they need a little extra assistance).
3/31/2020 Update:
STAY SAFE, AVOID SCAMS. The Texas Attorney General has issued a consumer warning regarding cyber scams.
Last week, Fort Bend Seniors delivered a “Stay Safe, Avoid Scams” flyer to all senior clients with information on the many scams that have appeared nationally due to the coronavirus. Please review and share.
3/30/2020 Update:
Our organization is essential and will remain open. We are delivering more than 1,300 meals to seniors daily, with a new no-contact delivery and sanitizing hands between each delivery. All staff who are able will work remotely to better protect all of our staff. We are still available by phone or email.
Senior Centers will remain closed until further notice. We have compiled a list of activities for seniors, including senior shopping hours, online senior fitness, music, books games, and more! Share this list with the seniors in your life (and help them with their computers or phones, if they need a little extra assistance).
3/13/2020 Update:
As the situation with COVID-19 continues to develop, we are making adjustments to our programs to ensure the wellbeing of our Clients, Volunteers, and Employees. Out of an abundance of caution and in following recommendations from local health officials, we have decided to suspend all congregate senior centers through the end of March, at which time we will re-evaluate the need to continue closures. We will ensure that all current participants in the Congregate Program receive meals during this closure. The Meals on Wheels Program will continue to deliver meals daily, Monday through Friday, with modifications made to ensure minimum exposure to our seniors during delivery.
This is in addition to measures already enacted:
- Modifying meal delivery to a no-contact method for all seniors receiving Meals on Wheels
- Distributing hand sanitizer to volunteers and staff as available, and encouraging regular use during deliveries
- Increased disinfecting of all touch surfaces including door handles, faucets, tables, and countertops at all locations
- Ordering shelf stable meals that will be distributed in the coming weeks as necessary to all seniors
Our current needs to support these efforts remain:
- Funding for OR In-Kind donations of hand sanitizer, all-purpose disinfectant, and unused plastic grocery bags
- Funding for additional purchases of shelf-stable and frozen meals for seniors that may need to quarantine in their homes
- Additional volunteers prepared to support meal deliveries to seniors
If you are a senior center client who has not received a phone call about receiving home-delivered meals while our centers are closed, contact our Senior Center Coordinator, at 281-633-7058.
There is no higher priority to our entire Fort Bend Seniors Family than the Health and Wellbeing of our Clients, Volunteers, and Employees. We understand that a significant outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in our communities could be severe for the vulnerable seniors we serve. We are closely monitoring information and resources being shared by the experts in disease control and are putting prevention and response plans into place. We are following health officials’ recommended steps to protect against coronavirus similarly to how we prevent the spread of other illnesses.
We know the critical importance of preparation in times like this and understand the delicate balance between panic and preparedness. While we do not anticipate a disruption in service at this time, our team is working with our service partners, local health officials, and our funders to develop plans that will ensure the seniors we serve continue to receive the nourishment and support they rely upon each and every day.
Any changes in our programs will be communicated directly to clients and volunteers through our emergency alert system, and the community through email, social media, and on our website at fortbendseniors.org. We thank you for your continued support at this time. Together we can ensure that our most vulnerable neighbors are cared for.
COVID-19 Call Centers
Texas Department of State Health Services has a dedicated call center to answer your COVID-19 related questions or concerns. The call center is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, please call 1-877-570-9779.
Fort Bend County Health & Human Services has established a call center for your COVID-19 related questions or concerns. The call center is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. General Public Line: 281-633-7795 and Physician and Community Partner Line: 281-344-6118.
IMPORTANT resources
Fort Bend County Health & Human Services – Information on the spread of the virus in Fort Bend County
Administration for Community Living – Information for seniors & people with disabilities
Center for Disease Control – Up to date information on the virus, how to prevent it, and more
Houston Health Dept – Daily updates from Houston officials about the outbreak