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The Team Behind the Mission.
At Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula, our strength lies in the compassion, dedication, and expertise of the people who serve behind the scenes. From our leadership and staff to our kitchen crew and volunteers, every member of our team plays a vital role in nourishing lives, supporting independence, and uplifting our community.
What makes Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula truly exceptional isn’t just the number of meals we serve—it’s the people who make it all happen. Every staff member, volunteer, and supporter brings their heart to this work, and that compassion is felt in every meal delivered, every wellness check made, and every smile shared.
Our strength lies in the incredible dedication and expertise of the people who choose to be part of this mission. They are the quiet heroes who ensure that seniors, veterans, and disabled adults across our region are not forgotten. They nourish more than bodies—they nourish hope, dignity, and human connection.
I am honored every day to lead an organization filled with such purpose-driven individuals. Together, we are building a healthier, more compassionate community—one meal, one moment, one neighbor at a time.
I tell my team all the time: Go to work and have a good time. Or don’t go at all. Because if your heart’s not in it, the people we serve can feel that. What makes this place special isn’t just the meals—it’s the energy, the laughter in the kitchen, the friendships formed on delivery routes, the shared purpose.
Our strength doesn’t come from any one person—it comes from the way we show up for each other and for our clients. Every single team member, from volunteers to drivers to office staff, brings something irreplaceable. That’s what keeps this place running. That’s what makes it feel like family.
I'm inspired by the great purpose of Meals on Wheels and the extraordinary work we do on the Monterey Peninsula. Working towards the MOW mission is fulfilling both professionally and personally and I hope to continue the incredible legacy of caring, compassion, and selflessness that exists here.
Let’s be real—this team is unstoppable. I may be a fundraising powerhouse (yes, I said it), but none of what we do would matter without the heart behind it. Every single person here—from the folks chopping vegetables at 7AM to the volunteers driving across town with a smile—is a rockstar.
We’re not just checking boxes—we’re changing lives. And that kind of magic only happens when compassion, grit, and talent come together. That’s who we are. That’s what makes Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula special.
In every meal we prepare, we have the power to nourish not just bodies, but hearts and minds. It's a privilege to serve our community, creating connections through food and showing that we care. Each dish is an opportunity to uplift someone's spirit and remind them they are not alone. Together, we can make a difference one plate at a time, fostering a sense of belonging and love in every bite.
Don't forget your mise enplace!
In this kitchen, every meal we prepare carries meaning. We’re not just cooking—we’re nourishing people who’ve given so much to this community. Many of our clients are seniors who once raised families, taught in our schools, built our towns. They’ve lived rich, full lives, and now it’s our turn to take care of them.
I put just as much attention into a tray of meals as I would a plate in a fine restaurant. Because I know that for many of our clients, this may be the only freshly prepared meal they’ll have all day. That meal brings comfort. It brings dignity. And it reminds them that they haven’t been forgotten.
What fuels me is knowing the meals we prepare help people stay in their homes, feel better in their bodies, and know they’re still part of a caring community. That’s why I do what I do, and why I’m proud to be part of this team every single day.
What inspires me every single day is the heart our team puts into everything we do. Whether it’s a driver showing up with a smile, a volunteer prepping meals before sunrise, or a staff member helping a client navigate services—they all go above and beyond.
Our strength doesn’t come from any one person. It comes from the way we come together—with compassion, dedication, and a shared belief that everyone deserves dignity, nourishment, and human connection. We don’t just serve meals—we build trust, we uplift, and we remind people they are not alone. That’s the power of this team, and I’m incredibly proud to be a part of it.
“What inspires me every day is the strength and resilience of the people we serve. Many of our clients have lived full, remarkable lives—and now, they simply need a little support to stay safe and nourished in their own homes. I see firsthand how much a warm meal and a kind word can mean.
Our team isn’t just delivering food—we’re delivering comfort, connection, and dignity. From our drivers to our kitchen staff to the volunteers who make wellness calls, every single person here leads with heart. That’s what makes Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula special. We’re more than a service—we’re a community, and I’m honored to be part of it.”
To work for Meals on Wheels shows me first hand the unselfishness of individuals to help total strangers and to strive daily for their wellbeing. To see true acts of kindness each and every day is at the core of everyone who is a part of Meals on Wheels. For no one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of another.
“What inspires me most every day is seeing how deeply our team cares—not just about the meals we prepare and deliver, but about the people we serve. Our volunteers and staff show up with compassion, patience, and unwavering commitment. They’re the first to notice if something’s off with a client, the first to offer a kind word, and the reason so many of our seniors feel safe, seen, and valued.
It’s not just about food—it’s about human connection. We’re in homes, not just on doorsteps. We listen, we check in, we build trust. That level of care takes heart and dedication, and I’m honored to work alongside such an incredible group of people. They are the reason we can keep our promise to nourish lives and support independence every single day.”
"What I’ve learned in this role is that every person we serve has a story—filled with strength, resilience, and dignity. I don’t just assess for meal eligibility; I listen, I learn, and I connect. Many of our clients have worked hard their whole lives and now face challenges they never expected—health issues, mobility loss, or simply living alone without nearby support. It’s humbling to be welcomed into their homes and to be part of a program that brings not just food, but peace of mind, comfort, and care. Our team doesn’t just deliver meals—we deliver hope, and that’s what makes this work so meaningful."
I am grateful to serve alongside a compassionate staff and team of volunteers here at MOWMP. The collective goal of enriching the lives of seniors is a selfless act of community service and kindness.
Every day, I witness the profound dedication of colleagues who go beyond their duties – staff members who remember clients' birthdays, volunteers who stay extra minutes for meaningful conversations, and team members who bring genuine warmth to everything they do.
Their expertise shines through thoughtful meal preparations, careful safety assessments, and engaging program activities. This shared commitment to nurturing body, mind, and spirit creates something extraordinary. I look forward to contributing every day.
To work for Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula, an organization that believes in the nurturing of the whole person: body, mind and spirit, is a real honor. Few things in life make you feel better than striving towards a goal of purpose, and when you work towards something greater than yourself, the work becomes a labor of love.
Every day, I witness profound impact. When someone walks through our doors for the first time, I see uncertainty. By the time they leave, there's hope and belonging. I've watched shy individuals become confident leaders, seen people rediscover joy in dancing, witnessed the magic when someone eating alone finds new friends.
Our members become family. This isn't just about providing services – it's about preserving dignity and creating belonging. Our team's expertise runs deep, but genuine care makes the difference. We're affirming that every person matters and no one should face aging's challenges alone. This is my calling.
Life is more fulfilling when you do more than you need to for a cause you believe in. We often under estimate the power of a hot meal, a smile, kind words, listening ears, honest compliments, and the smallest act of caring, all of which are capable of changing lives on our peninsula. I am inspired daily by the unwavering spirit of our community.
Here, we nourish more than just bodies; we feed hope, foster independence, and combat isolation. Being part of this mission is a profound honor, reminding me that every meal delivered is a testament to compassion and resilience. I am honored and fortunate to share the same passion with all the people, especially the volunteers, that keep these wheels turning and the meals flowing.
"Working as Marketing Coordinator for Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula means I get to tell the most important stories in our community. Every day, I witness miracles disguised as simple moments – a veteran receiving his first home-delivered meal, a widow finding friendship at our community center, a senior safely navigating their home thanks to our Home Heart Heroes program.
My role isn't just about creating campaigns or managing social media; it's about amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard. When I share Mrs. Garcia's story about how our telephone reassurance calls saved her during a medical emergency, or highlight how our group dining brought Mr. Thompson out of isolation after his wife passed, I'm not just marketing – I'm advocating for dignity, independence, and connection.
This organization's mission to nourish body, mind, and spirit resonates through every piece of content I create, every partnership I develop, every community event I coordinate. I'm honored to help our community understand that supporting MOWMP means investing in compassionate care that transforms lives."
Working as Development Coordinator for Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula means connecting hearts with purpose every single day. I witness the incredible generosity of our community – from first-time donors moved by our mission to longtime supporters who've become extended family.
Each grant we secure, every fundraising event we host, represents real impact: nutritious meals delivered, safety modifications completed, friendships formed at our Community Center.
What drives me is knowing that behind every dollar raised is someone's grandmother staying independent, a veteran receiving care, or an isolated senior finding community. Our donors aren't just funding programs – they're investing in dignity, hope, and the fundamental belief that everyone deserves to age with grace and connection.
Life is short. Don’t waste it. Every day we have the chance to do something meaningful, and that’s what drives me to show up here. The people we serve, they’ve lived full lives, and now they deserve care, respect, and connection.
I’ve learned that a warm meal and a kind word can change someone’s whole day—and sometimes even their outlook on life. We’re not just delivering food—we’re delivering hope, stability, and a reason to smile. It’s an honor to be part of something so real.
I see our mission through numbers that tell human stories. Every invoice I process for fresh ingredients becomes nutritious meals on someone's table. Each payroll entry represents dedicated staff and volunteers who genuinely care.
When I reconcile accounts, I'm ensuring every donated dollar maximizes impact – whether funding Home Heart Heroes repairs or Community Center programs. Behind spreadsheets and budgets, I witness our organization's heart: careful stewardship that honors donors' trust and participants' dignity.
My expertise in financial management isn't just about accuracy – it's about ensuring sustainable compassion, making certain our resources stretch to serve every person who needs us with excellence and respect.
I'm often the first voice our clients hear when they call. Every conversation matters – whether it's a volunteer checking in about a delivery route or a client sharing concerns about their health. I listen for what's spoken and unspoken, coordinating not just meals but care.
When Mrs. Garcia calls worried about her medication schedule, or when a volunteer reports a client seemed unsteady, I know my expertise in connecting resources can be life-changing. These calls aren't just logistics – they're lifelines.
My compassion and attention to detail ensure no one falls through the cracks, because everyone deserves to feel heard, valued, and cared for.
As a Home Delivered Meals Coordinator, I orchestrate more than meal deliveries – I coordinate lifelines. Each route I plan connects isolated seniors with nutritious food and human compassion.
When our volunteers knock on doors, they're not just delivering meals; they're bringing safety checks, friendly conversations, and the assurance that someone cares. I've seen how a warm smile alongside a nutritious meal can transform someone's entire day.
My expertise in logistics ensures seamless operations, but it's our team's genuine dedication that makes the difference. We're preserving independence one meal at a time, ensuring no one in our community faces hunger or loneliness alone.
Every person I deliver to has a story—some filled with joy, others with hardship—but all of them have this quiet strength that inspires me every single day. Many have lived through wars, raised families, built communities, and now, they just need a little help staying safe and nourished at home.
Being part of the Meals on Wheels team means I get to offer more than a hot meal. I offer respect, connection, and a moment of kindness that reminds them they’re not alone. Some folks wait by the door just to say hi, and it’s those little interactions that remind me how important this work really is.
I take pride in every mile I drive and every repair I help with, because I know it’s helping someone live with dignity. The people we serve may not always have a voice that’s heard—but they’re powerful in their perseverance. They’re the reason I show up every day, and I wouldn’t trade this job for anything.
What I love most about this job is that it’s never just about the food or the repairs—it’s about the people. Every delivery, every small fix around a client’s home, is a way of saying, ‘We see you. You matter.’
Some of the seniors we serve haven’t had a visitor all week. When I knock on their door, I see their faces light up—not just because they’re getting a meal, but because they feel remembered and cared for. That connection is powerful.
Whether I’m delivering lunch or installing a grab bar to make their home safer, I know I’m helping someone live a little more comfortably and confidently. That’s what keeps me going. The strength and gratitude of our clients—it’s humbling, and it’s why I take this work to heart.
It’s easy to think of this job as driving and fixing things—but to me, it’s about showing up for people who need someone in their corner. Whether I’m delivering a meal or installing a grab bar, I’m thinking about how to make life a little easier, a little safer, for someone who may not have anyone else to help them.
Our clients are strong people—resilient, wise, and full of stories—and they deserve to live with dignity. Sometimes it’s a five-minute chat or just a wave from the window, but that moment means the world to them… and to me. That’s what keeps me coming back. I get to help people stay independent, and that’s something I’m proud of every single day.
Every day I get to serve people who’ve lived full lives—teachers, veterans, artists, parents—people who’ve given so much to their communities. Now it’s our turn to show up for them.
When I deliver meals or help clean and care for our facility, I’m reminded that the work we do isn’t just about tasks—it’s about dignity. It’s about making sure someone feels seen, safe, and valued in this stage of life.
The people we serve are incredibly resilient. They’ve faced challenges most of us can’t imagine, and they continue to carry themselves with quiet strength and grace. That’s what keeps me going. I’m proud to be part of a team that respects that strength and shows up with compassion, every single day.
Whether I’m behind the wheel or mopping a floor, I know it’s all part of something bigger—helping our seniors stay independent and feel cared for. And that means everything to me.
Every menu we plan is carefully thought through—nutritionally balanced, tasty, and easy to eat for our clients. That takes a level of expertise that people don’t always see. We’re not making trendy food—we’re making meals that heal, comfort, and nourish.
There’s a lot of science behind what we do, but also a lot of heart. Our clients are dealing with health issues, limited mobility, or loneliness, and we do what we can to support them with every meal. Cooking here means understanding who we’re serving, not just what we’re serving. It’s not glamorous, but it’s deeply human work. And to me, that’s more meaningful than anything else I’ve ever done.
When I’m in the kitchen, I’m not just cooking—I’m caring. Every meal we make is going to someone who truly depends on it. Some of our clients don’t have anyone else checking in on them, and that gives the work a deeper meaning. I picture someone opening their container and smiling because it’s warm, it’s fresh, and it reminds them that someone cares. We put intention into every step—from selecting ingredients to how it’s packed.
This isn’t just food—it’s fuel for their body and peace of mind. We may never meet most of the people we cook for, but knowing we’re helping them stay healthy and independent? That’s what brings me back every single morning.
People think we just make meals, but we’re part of a much bigger picture. Every dish we prepare contributes to someone’s health and dignity. Our clients have lived incredible lives—some are veterans, teachers, caregivers themselves.
Now they need us. I try to cook with that respect in mind. We don’t cut corners. We don’t rush. We make meals we’d be proud to serve our own families. It’s a team effort, and every plate carries a bit of that collective care. I’ve worked in restaurants before, but this is different—this is purpose-driven. We’re not just feeding people; we’re honoring them. And to be honest, that’s the most rewarding feeling in the world.
I started working here thinking it would be a good kitchen job, but it turned out to be so much more. You feel the impact of what you’re doing—how something as simple as soup or a sandwich can brighten someone’s entire day.
There’s a sense of urgency here, but not in a rushed way—in a meaningful way. Because the meals have to go out on time, and they have to be right. The people we serve are depending on it. What surprises me most is how grateful our clients are. Even though we don’t always see them, we hear their stories, and that’s powerful. You learn quickly: this job is heart work.
Some mornings start before sunrise, and we’re prepping for hundreds of meals—but it’s never just about the numbers. Each tray we send out matters. Our clients are people who’ve worked hard all their lives, and now they deserve comfort and care. That’s what we try to give them with every bite.
There’s a rhythm to this job, but there’s also emotion. You feel connected to something bigger. When you’re part of a team like this—where everyone is here for the right reasons—you can’t help but feel proud. It’s not always easy work, but it’s always important. And honestly, I wouldn’t trade that feeling for anything.
When I step into the kitchen each morning, I know I’m not just cooking—I’m caring. Every meal we make is going to someone who may not have another visitor today. It’s not just about calories or ingredients; it’s about dignity, warmth, and love. We take pride in using the freshest local produce and creating meals that feel like home. Knowing that a senior is smiling because of something we cooked—that’s what keeps me going. It’s personal for all of us.
Some of our clients used to be chefs themselves, parents, or caretakers—they know what a good meal tastes like. That’s why we don’t cut corners. We season with care, we plate with pride, and we treat every dish like it’s going to our own grandmother. The work is fast-paced, sure—but it’s also deeply fulfilling. We’re not just feeding people, we’re letting them know they’re remembered, valued, and still connected to their community.
When you’re making breakfast for hundreds of clients, you have to have love in every scoop. Some of our clients depend on us for all three meals a day—that means we’re part of their daily rhythm. We make sure it’s a good one. There’s a sense of pride that comes from knowing we’re helping someone stay healthy, nourished, and safe in their own home. The meals we cook carry more than nutrition—they carry care.
Working in the Meals on Wheels kitchen has taught me that food is more than just fuel—it’s connection. Some of our clients haven’t had a homemade meal in days, weeks, or even longer. When they get that warm plate, we want them to know someone cares. We use quality ingredients—real grass-fed beef, no-antibiotic chicken, fresh vegetables—because they deserve the best. And behind every tray is a team of hearts committed to making a difference.
When I load up the meals each morning, I know I’m not just delivering food—I’m delivering a sense of stability and care. At the schools, I see kids who count on our meals to help them stay focused and nourished. At the group dining sites, I’m greeted by seniors who treat me like family because they know I’m part of the reason they can gather, laugh, and share a meal together. There’s a real connection at every stop, and it reminds me how powerful a warm meal can be. It’s not just a route—it’s a ripple effect of compassion. I take pride in being part of that, knowing every delivery helps strengthen our community from the inside out.
Ready to become part of something extraordinary?
We're always looking for passionate individuals who share our commitment to nourishing lives, supporting independence, and uplifting our community.
Whether you're seeking a fulfilling career opportunity or looking to volunteer your time and talents, there's a place for you on our team.
Join us in making a meaningful difference every day – from delivering nutritious meals and providing companionship to supporting home modifications and creating vibrant community connections.
