A Servant’s Heart

For VNA Meals on Wheels volunteer, Rachel Richards, service is an extension of her deep faith.

As a former neo-natal nurse and stay-at-home mom of twins, Rachel’s nurturing spirit led her to want to find a way to actively serve during the pandemic. She answered the call by signing up for VNA’s Virtual Deliveries.

At the height of the shutdown, VNA made the decision to discontinue volunteer deliveries, relying on staff to deliver meals and other needed items to clients. Volunteers, like Rachel, were enlisted to utilize VNA’s mobile delivery app to call clients reminding them of delivery days, see what other needs they may have and provide much-needed socialization for these isolated senior clients.

Once volunteers were able to begin delivering again, Rachel transitioned from making phone calls to physically delivering the food and friendship to those clients she had been calling each week.

She has developed deep and meaningful bonds with the clients she serves and always goes above and beyond making them feel special, cared for and perhaps most importantly: remembered.

Ninety-year-old client Marian beams when she opens the door to greet Rachel saying, “I sure do love to see my girl!”

It is obvious the feeling is mutual! Rachel and Marian exchange stories about Rachel’s boys and Marian’s nieces and nephews. Delivering so much more than a hot meal, Rachel delivers true nourishment for the hearts of all those she serves.

You can also deliver joy to Dallas County seniors. Visit volunteer.vnatexas.org to learn more and sign up today.

Build Your VNA Legacy

Planned gifts are a vital part of advancing our mission. Plus, they offer direct benefits to you and your loved ones. To learn how you can help us deliver joy to seniors for years to come by including VNA in your estate plan, please contact Chris Culak at (214) 689-2601 or culakc@vnatexas.org today.