Getting to know local non-profit leaders - Meals on Wheels

April 4, 2022

Over the next few weeks, the Catawba County United Way will be highlighting the executive and program directors of the CCUW's funded partner agencies for 2022. Every year, the CCUW looks to partner with local non-profits and help support their programs focused on improving the lives of those in need in the areas of education, financial stability and health. 

michele francois

This week Michele Francois – DSS Senior Nutrition Services Manager - providing meals and day programing for seniors.

1. How long have you been with your agency and have worked with non-profits overall? 

I’ve been with Senior Nutrition Services for 1.5 years. I’ve worked with non-profits professionally and as a volunteer for 20+ years.

2. What drew you to your current position and this kind of work? 

My master’s degree is in public health and I’m grateful for the opportunity to deliver services that enable seniors to remain healthy at home. I love the Meals on Wheels model that brings volunteers together to deliver a nutritious meal, warm smile and safety check to homebound seniors AND the Seniors Morning Out model that provides fellowship and a nourishing meal to seniors.

3. What is the impact of your agency in our community? 

We improve seniors’ quality of life by providing them the choice to remain at home through the provision of nutritious meals, education, socialization, wellness activities and community volunteer support.

4. What does a good day at work look like? 

A good day starts with good weather and all 30 of our scheduled volunteers delivering approximately 300 meals to homebound seniors. A good day has Greenway safely transporting seniors who are no longer able to drive to our five Seniors Morning Out Programs. A good day has 130+ seniors gathering together across these 5 locations to enjoy a variety of programming, friendship and a nourishing meal.

5. The non-profit world can be stressful. What’s your favorite way to relax? 

I enjoy hiking with my partner or reading a good book.

6. Do you have a favorite book/movie and why? 

One of my favorite books is Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder. It tells the inspirational story of Dr. Paul Farmer (who we recently lost L). Paul was a hero ---- with a passion for curing infectious diseases and bringing the lifesaving tools of modern medicine to those who need them most. This non-fiction gives you hope about the ability of one person to make a true difference. The title of the book references the Haitian proverb “beyond mountains there are mountains” which means as you solve one problem, another problem present itself.

Learn More about United Way funded partners - THIS LINK.