Mesa County Seniors Get $250K Boost for Meal Deliveries

After delivering 136,000 meals to seniors in Mesa County, Colorado, a beloved community program just got a powerful boost to keep going strong.

St. Mary's Hospital has sponsored Meals on Wheels Mesa County for 35 years, but now Volunteers of America Colorado is stepping in to take the program into its next chapter. On April 20, leaders from both organizations celebrated the transition with a surprise that will change everything for local seniors.

St. Mary's presented a $250,000 donation to support meal deliveries for the next five years. The check ensures that vulnerable seniors across Mesa County will continue receiving nourishing hot meals right at their doorsteps.

"We are so thrilled to get to work together, to keep the program moving forward, and help people right here in Grand Junction," said Faustine Curry, Chief Advancement Officer for Volunteers of America Colorado. The new partnership means the nonprofit will handle human resources, fundraising, and facilities management, letting the program grow and reach even more people.

St. Mary's isn't walking away completely. The hospital will continue playing a supporting role while Volunteers of America brings its expertise to expand the program's impact.

The Ripple Effect

Over 300 volunteers make this program possible, delivering meals to homes and community centers across Mesa County. Every current Meals on Wheels employee will transition smoothly to Volunteers of America Colorado, keeping the team intact and the meals flowing without interruption.

For many seniors, these deliveries are more than just food. They're a daily check-in, a friendly face, and proof that their community cares about them. The partnership ensures that safety net stays strong.

"They are just uniquely qualified to continue to run this program, to make sure that it grows and it flourishes," said Grecthen Gore, Vice President of Mission Integration at St. Mary's Hospital.

This transition shows what's possible when organizations work together instead of competing, putting the people they serve first and building something that lasts.