Story

Alberta just wants to stand on her own two feet. That’s not much to ask considering the dozens of years she spent in front of a stove preparing thousands of meals for friends, family, church members and others. Though visitors to her home are no longer met by the aroma of stuffed peppers, blueberry pie or her famous pound cake, they are greeted by a smiling senior citizen whose determined to maintain her independence and home address. At 95, Alberta is in good health. And with help from Seniors First, a United Way supported agency that serves the needs of elderly Orange County residents, she’s able to live on her own. Thanks to the agency’s Meals on Wheels program, Alberta and hundreds of other local senior citizens receive nutritious, home-delivered meals and regular visits from caring volunteers. Though not the same as home cooking, Alberta looks forward to the meals and the friendly visits. “I really depend on them since I can’t cook anymore,” she said. Thanks to this network of community care and support, Alberta’s still standing strong.