Oct 14, 2024
Each week, Milwaukee County and Goodwill team up to deliver more than 1,500 meals to elderly residents in need. As your Milwaukee County reporter, I had the opportunity to speak with a delivery driver and a recipient who both shared how this program is changing lives.One of those recipients is Inadelle Crawford, a retired VA employee who loves to sew. She looks forward to a special moment each daythe sound of her doorbell ringing.Watch: How Goodwills deliveries are saving lives and fighting loneliness in Milwaukee How Goodwills deliveries are saving lives and fighting loneliness in Milwaukee"I sit on my couch every day waiting for Regenia to bring my lunch so we can chat," Inadelle said with a smile.Regenia Thomas-Love, the Goodwill delivery driver who brings Inadelle her meals, has been serving Milwaukees north side for the past seven years."I enjoy it because I know I have a mission. I have people to feed, people to embrace, people to cheer up, and people to hug," Regenia shared with a sense of pride. While Regenia delivers much-needed meals, her role goes far beyond that. She checks in on people like Inadelle, offering a vital human connection."I look forward to thatjust the little things we share. I know I can depend on her. And if I dont answer, someone will check to see whats going on with me," Inadelle explained. These daily check-ins help combat social isolation and loneliness. Its a personal connection that both women cherish."Im very passionate about it," Regenia said. "If I ring the doorbell and they dont come to the door, the next thing Im doing is calling them. And even with Miss Crawford, shes such a special person. Ill go look at the windows, Ill figure out whats going onwhy shes not coming to the door."Inadelle, reflecting on the importance of this service, said, "Its really great. I cant put it on a scale, but if you cant drive or dont have people to help, you could easily miss a meal that day."Goodwills partnership with Milwaukee County supports thousands of homebound adults over the age of 60, providing meals at no cost. But its more than just foodits about identifying other needs and connecting people to the resources they might require."We also can identify other needs they might have and get them resources," said Michelle Drouillard from Goodwill. For Inadelle, the relationship shes built with Regenia is a source of comfort."Shes almost like my granddaughter. I cant call her my daughtershes too young for thatbut its like, if I wanted somebody to call, she would be there," Inadelle said fondly.An angel in disguise and a bond for a lifetime."A meal like this can be life-saving," Inadelle added.For more information and eligibility requirements, visit www.goodwillsew.com. To apply for services, contact the Aging Resource Center at 414-289-6874.Its about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for TMJ4 on your device.Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip
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