True relationships, like the ones they build here on Mondays, manifest themselves in caring that goes beyond food orders. 

Our Seniors program on Mondays is more than just a way for seniors in need to get the food that makes the difference between living at home and life on the streets. Since our seniors have no way to make extra money, we offer a Pantry program that provides food for them every 2 weeks on a long-term basis. That program longevity allows relationships to form between the participants, staff, and volunteers. True relationships like the ones they build here on Mondays manifest themselves in caring that goes beyond food orders.

Each Monday, various groups of seniors come early to catch up with each other’s’ lives while they wait to receive their bi-weekly pantry orders. This morning, a couple of seniors told us that they were worried about one lady that used to come early Monday morning. Jeannette called the missing senior to see how she was doing and if everything was okay. She mentioned that the other seniors were concerned for her welfare, as were we. So often, people past a certain age become invisible, living lives of solitude and quiet fear.

Our senior was touched that her absence was noted, and that Jeannette would take the time to call and to care for her well-being. She shared that her husband passed away and the homeowner where they rented asked her to leave the house because he was going to sell it. Her brother in New York City recently bought her a plane ticket to be with him in her time of need. She is going there tomorrow, hoping to come back. She may or may not be able to return, but at least she knows she will be missed. This is the beauty of doing things in relationship. Caring leads to a life being touched with more than just food. How beautiful. 

- Jeannette Persichetti & Tracy Trimblett