Our Mission
Our mission has always been to provide food service for the aged, convalescent and/or disabled residing in Lawrence, Kansas, regardless of race, color or creed, in order to remain independent in their own homes as long as possible. It has always been our goal to provide our services to eligible clients regardless of their ability to pay.
Lawrence Meals on Wheels (LMOW) provides hot nutritious meals to the home-bound elderly and/or disabled, residing in Lawrence, who have a special dietary need and/or are unable to prepare their own meals. We are the only program in Lawrence that can provide specialized diets such as diabetic, low fat, renal, etc. We are also the only program that serves those under 60 year of age. Our clients currently range in age from 35 – 100.
Our service helps our clients to maintain their independence and remain in their own homes as long as possible. We not only deliver meals which are vital to their health, but also a daily point of contact and socialization for those who might otherwise not have one. Our drivers are not only delivering meals but are checking to make sure the client is okay every day. For some of our clients, our drivers are the only social contact they receive.
Our goal has always been to never turn anyone away regardless of their ability to pay. Since we started in March 1970, we have remained true to our mission and goals.
Our Services
Lawrence Meals on Wheels (LMOW) serves hot, nutritious meals to the home-bound elderly and/or disabled Monday through Friday, with the exception of several holidays, such as Christmas. The meals are purchased from Lawrence Memorial Hospital (LMH). LMH prepares the meals to meet the individual specifications of each diet order, under the supervision of a licensed dietician. To qualify for services:
- You must reside in the city limits of Lawrence.
- You must have a special dietary need.
- You must be home-bound (if primary client of residence).
If you are over 60:
- You must be home-bound (i.e., you do not drive and need assistance to go to the doctor, appointments, church, etc.).
- OR you must be the spouse, caregiver or adult disabled child of someone who is home-bound and receiving LMOWs.
- You must have a doctor-ordered special diet (i.e., low cholesterol, renal, diabetic, low fat, etc.).
If you are under 60:
- You must be home-bound (i.e., you do not drive and need assistance to go to the doctor, appointments, church, etc.).
- OR you must be the spouse, caregiver or adult disabled child of someone who is home-bound and receiving LMOWs.
- You must have a special dietary need, which may mean that you are unable to prepare your own food. If you have a special diet, it must be doctor approved.
To see if you qualify, call Lawrence MOW at 785-830-8844.
Funding Sources
We receive funding from a variety of sources, including grants and donations from foundations, civic and church organizations, businesses, individuals and various fundraisers. In addition, Lawrence MOW receives support from the following:
- The Bramlage and Willcoxon Family Foundation
- Cans for Community
- Dillons Rewards Program
- Douglas County Community Foundation
- DCCF “Giving for Good” Campaign for Blizzard Bags
- The Ethel and Raymond Rice Family Foundation
- Himes Family Foundation
- Lawrence Rotary
- 2021 The Merc Community Change Jar Recipient
- MercWorks
- The Older Americans Act – Administered by the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging
- The Wilderness Education Fund
- Lawrence Meals on Wheels Monthly Donors
… and numerous donations from other individuals, civic and business organizations! We sincerely appreciate every dollar that is donated to Lawrence MOW. A big thank you to everyone who has supported all our Lawrence neighbors in need! Our clients are only asked to pay what they can afford. We purchase the food for $5.00 from Lawrence Memorial Hospital (LMH). The total meal costs us over $7.00. The average amount clients can pay is between $1.50-$2.50.
2022 Board of Directors
- Belinda Schuman, Board Chair
- Fred Madaus, Vice Chair
- Tom Steinmetz, Treasurer
- Heather Dirk
- Larry Mayfield
- Martha Lanpher
Staff
- Kim Culliss, Executive Director
- Latrice Flowers, Program Assistant