When the helper needs help… you were there for her
Retired hospital worker
For thirty years, Arbere helped others. Every day, she showed up at Parkland Hospital and cared for the people who needed her most. She held newborn babies. She sat with cancer patients through their hardest days. Helping people in need was Arbere’s mission in life.
Today, Arbere is 77. She uses a wheelchair. She lives alone.
Not long ago, the woman who spent a lifetime caring for others could no longer get enough food to care for herself.
Because you gave, a meal now arrives at Arbere’s door. And something she’d been missing just as badly as food: a friendly face at the door, a volunteer who stops to say hello and make sure she’s doing okay.
The change for her was almost immediate. Her health improved. So did her outlook on life.
“I don’t know what I would do without you guys, I really don’t,” Arbere told us through tears of joy. “Before, I wasn’t able to have food. But now, every day I can’t wait to have a good, hot meal.”
Your kindness didn’t stop with food.
On one visit, our team noticed how stifling her home had become in the summer heat. So we brought her a box fan. In a Dallas summer, moving air can be the difference between a safe home and a health emergency.
When we switched the fan on, Arbere’s eyes filled up again.
“Aw, I don’t know what to say,” she said. “Thank you, thank you!”
Every one of those thank-yous is for you.
You made sure a woman who gave her whole life to others is now cared for herself. You made sure she is fed.
Thank you for being a kind of neighbor who reaches out and helps neighbors in need.
Arbere helped so many during her long career as a hospital worker.
Why we’ve included VNA in our will
You can too!
By Lori and Scott Christensen
As Meals on Wheels volunteers and donors, we’ve seen firsthand the impact VNA has on seniors in our community.
We’ve chosen to include this solid, well-run agency in our estate plans because we want to ensure this organization is doing this great work for the long-run. We can’t imagine Dallas without the services VNA provides to older adults and families facing serious illness. By joining the Legacy Society, we’re helping protect the future of an organization we trust and believe in.
For us, it’s simple: VNA is critical to our community, and we want to help ensure that future generations of seniors continue to receive the care, meals, and support they need to live with dignity and independence.
Dallas residents Lori and Scott Christensen have included VNA in their will. You can do it too – and discover the deep joy of making a transformational difference that will help future generations.
To discuss leaving your legacy, contact Jennifer Austin at 214-689-2265 or jennifer.austin@vnatexas.org. She’d love to talk with you!
Discover the joy and beauty of delivering Meals on Wheels
Urgently seeking 30 new volunteers.
It’s a wonderful job that will give you joy and really help neighbors in need. These volunteers could save nearly $324,000 annually, enough to provide a full year of meals to about 159 more senior neighbors who are waiting for help.
“I’ve been delivering Meals on Wheels for more than 10 years. There is no better way to spend an hour delivering food and friendship.” VNA Board Member and volunteer driver Christi Morrow
The beauty of Meals on Wheels is that you don’t have to do it alone. Some of our most dedicated volunteers serve with spouses, friends, colleagues, children, and fellow church members. It’s an easy and meaningful way to give back together while brightening the day of a homebound senior.
Interested? Visit volunteer.vnatexas.org and sign up today.
New home for end-of-life care will open soon in Wilson Historic District
First of its kind in North Texas
Katherine’s House, a new assisted living facility for seriously ill patients who lack the resources or support to receive care at home, is nearing completion. It addresses a critical gap in end-of-life care across North Texas. Opening is targeted for early 2027.
Katherine’s House will be the first facility of its kind in North Texas for patients without a home, a caregiver, or a safe place to receive care.
If you’d like to help support the decoration and operating costs of Katherine’s House, call Jennifer Austin at 214-689-2265 for information.
The five-bedroom house will provide dignified, compassionate care for people who have no other options.
Katherine’s House will be a place where the most vulnerable among us can spend their final days in peace, surrounded by dignity, compassion, and care.
Katherine’s House will be a tranquil and comfortable place for people needing end-of-life care.
Chris’s Corner: You bring health, safety, joy … and smiles
Thank you for doing your part
You should see their faces when they come to the door! Sometimes they’ve been waiting, knowing we’re coming. Other times, they’re pleasantly surprised to see us: “Oh! I didn’t realize it was that time already!”
But every time we arrive with meals we get to see the biggest, most beautiful smile break out on their faces. Because it’s much-needed food that eases their day and helps them stay in their home. But it’s so much more than that: It’s a lifeline that helps them stay healthy, independent, and connected to their community. For many, that friendly knock on the door is the only interaction they have all day.
And it’s possible because of you.
Your giving shares not only nourishment, but also dignity, safety, and human connection. You bring the joy and beauty of human kindness into their lives and into our neighborhoods.
Thank you for paying it forward here in Dallas.
Chris Culak
President and CEO
Much-needed food for the fur babies
“I was sitting here worried about how I’m going to feed my sweet fur babies for the rest of the month. I can’t seem to stretch my money far enough. When I opened the door I found a bag full of dog food. The good stuff too. Thank you VNA, for taking that worry off me this month. And for all you do. My girls’ bellies are full and they are resting peacefully. Thanks so much.”
Annie, VNA Meals on Wheels Client
What Texas means to me
“VNA has become a big part of what Texas means to me. VNA Texas helps to ensure that our state is caring for those Texans who are not entirely able to care for themselves. Those who volunteer to deliver our Meals on Wheels are very selfless and kind, and I always look forward to their visits”
Carol, VNA Meals on Wheels Client