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About
From Garibaldi to Manzanita, Meals for Seniors, Inc. in Rockaway Beach, Oregon has been serving hot, freshly cooked and nutritious meals to the 55 and over community since 2003.
“Our Mission is to enable senior citizens of North Tillamook County to continue living independently in their own homes by providing access to nutritious meals and social occasions.
Who We Serve
Our goal is to provide senior citizens in the area a place to congregate, socialize, be entertained and have access to an appetizing and nutritious dining experience.
We serve senior citizens in North Tillamook County. Our patrons come from Manzanita, Nehalem, Wheeler, Brighton, Nedonna, Rockaway Beach, Twin Rocks, Barview, Garibaldi and from unincorporated areas of the North County. Our target population is senior citizens, with a special dedication to seniors who are home bound.
For those persons who are unable to come to the meal site, we deliver a freshly prepared, complete packaged meal, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Many of these homebound are not able to shop; thus, we also deliver additional frozen meals and snacks so they have meals for six days of the week.
A little Bit About Us
Meals for Seniors, Inc. was formed in early 2003 when some community leaders saw a need to reach out to senior citizens and provide healthy meals – and that need was not being met. There were too many vulnerable and isolated seniors to not take action. They discussed options and ultimately decided “to do it ourselves”.
Articles of Incorporation as a non-profit organization were filed with the State of Oregon on June 25, 2003 by community leaders Phyllis Baker, Raymond Robinson and Robert Dempster.
By-Laws were prepared and adopted on September 8, 2003. We were granted non-profit status as a 501 (C) (3) corporation by the Federal Government on February 26, 2004.
The initial Board of Directors were:
Phyllis Baker, President
Ruth Daugherty
Robert Dempster
Susan Dempster
Joanne Dickson Aagard
Stephen Press
Raymond Robinson
James Watts
Together they laid the foundation for our organization, which has served meals continuously, 52 weeks a year, since 2003.
How we are governed
Meals for Seniors, Inc. is led, managed, and operated by a 13-member Board of Directors. All are volunteers. Board appointments are for two years with appointments staggered among members.
Current Board Members Are:
Theresa Bruneau, President
John Garcia, Vice-President
Barbara Riley, Secretary
Judi Strayer, Treasurer
Kathleen Lengle, Member
Penny Cheek, Member
Denise van Loon, Member
Sandy Johnson, Member
Jeanne LeJeune, Member
Gigi Levitt, Member
John Luce, Member
Judy Sours, Member
Judi Strayer, Member
Marlene Tharp, Member
Financials
Meals for Seniors, Inc. approved the 2024 Budget of $126,508. Our food prices continue to increase each year. We are working hard to maintain our efforts and with the generosity of our community and grantors, we are maintaining all services. We will never give up!
We have Federal 501 (c) (3) tax exempt status and our financials are audited each year by the Weitman & Simpson, LLC, of Tillamook, Oregon.
Revenues generally are as follows:
General Donations
This includes our largest donor, the Hope Chest, which is another non-profit organization operating two thrift stores, one in Rockaway Beach and the other in Nehalem, businesses who host coin canisters, general donations from individuals and supportive organizations, the Fred Meyer Community Rewards Program, and in 2020 we began participating in the Oregon Bottle Drop Program.
Grants
Meals for Seniors, Inc. has been fortunate to receive grants from Foundations or businesses. Examples of generous grantors are:
Eugene Schmuck Foundation
Tillamook County Creamery Association
City of Rockaway Beach
Re/Max Equity Group Foundation
Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund
Tillamook PUD
A Portland foundation that wishes to remain anonymous.
Participant’s Contributions
There is a suggested $4 donation for each meal from participants. However, no one is ever turned away for inability to contribute.
Fundraisers
Meals for Seniors, Inc. hosts several major fundraisers each year which include our popular French Toast Breakfasts and Special Dinner events. The Breakfasts are held on the Saturdays of major holiday weekends throughout the year and the Dinner is held in the Winter of each year. Please check our EVENTS page on this website.
In addition, we participate in the Tillamook PUD Bill Insert Program. This occurs in the Fall of each year. The Tillamook PUD inserts a flyer in their monthly bill in which information is provided about a community organization and how to support it. Our bill insert is typically included in the September billing. We also participate in the Tillamook County Giving Guide every Fall.
Support
As mentioned above, Meals for Seniors, Inc. is supported by several organizations, businesses, and the community on an on-going basis. We would like to thank and honor the following: (clickable links)
Tillamook Creamery Association
The Gates Foundation, Nike, Intel, and Tillamook Creamery Association through their Employee Match Programs