Meals on Wheels names interim executive director, looks to reorganize Orange County effort
Published 12:02 am Saturday, May 4, 2024
- Pictured in June 2023 preparing meals for Meals on Wheels are Huerla Galendo, Randi Henson, Nikki Anderson, Sally Burman and Alitha Taleferro. (Stephen Hemelt/The Leader)
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The Board of Directors of Orange Community Action Association, Meals on Wheels, announced this week the appointment of Dawn Burleigh as interim executive director.
A search for a new executive director will begin immediately, organizers said.
“To ensure the agency can continue to serve over 400 clients in Orange County, with an average of 300 meals per day, short-term operational changes have also been implemented,” a Board of Directors statement read.
Daily delivery driver Richard Morris gets his vehicle ready in June 2023 for his Orange County Meals of Wheels route. (Stephen Hemelt/The Leader)
“We are delivering frozen meals temporarily, implementing additional staff adjustments and realigning agreements with food-service providers. While we understand these changes do not meet the high standards we have for Meals on Wheels, Orange, Texas, it is temporary while the Board considers long-term operational changes that will ensure the program is sustainable.”
The changes come after careful consideration and meetings with staff, vendors, city and county leaders, and grant and reimbursement partners, a Board statement read.
“This decision was not easy, and we know how critical food insecurity is in Orange County, especially for senior citizens,” the organization stated. “The Orange County community has always rallied together in a time of crisis and this time will be no different. Your continued support is essential to the program’s ongoing success.”
