Stephen’s family legacy is one of service – beginning with his grandparents who helped build the first Black high school in the county in which his family has lived since the early 1800s. Stephen’s father then served as principal for that same school for 20 years.
The family’s value of service led Stephen to a professional career as a social worker. Stephen served those in need of support, until his health failed. In 2021, after years of living with heart disease, Stephen needed open heart surgery. While in recovery, it was a social worker who suggested Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland to support Stephen’s health and make it easier for him to care for himself.
“I didn’t realize until now how important service to the community was, said Stephen. Can you imagine? How many children’s lives my father and grandparents touched?”
Now, Stephen doesn’t have to worry about how he will maintain the heart healthy diet his doctor prescribed. Along with having nutritious meals delivered to his home by a volunteer, Stephen also has a volunteer who shops and delivers other needed groceries and household items through our Grocery Assistance Program (GAP).
Stephen is not only grateful for the nutritious food, but he is also especially thankful for the relationships he has developed with his volunteers, who make him feel less alone despite living by himself.
After decades of serving the community, Stephen never imagined he would be the one in need of support. Now, in his time of need, Stephen feels secure knowing that Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland is by his side, working not only to support his health and independence, but also to preserve his humanity just as he worked to do for others for so many years. In Stephen’s words,
“I’ve gotten to the point now where I don’t know what I’d do without Meals on Wheels… It’s humane — truly humane.”