About Meals on Wheels of NEPA

History

Meals on Wheels of NEPA was established in 1969, however there are records of services being provided a decade earlier by Sara Casparo. Casparo is the founder of Meals on Wheels of NEPA, and she pioneered and advocated for the implementation of the Older Americans Act to address the unmet needs of seniors across the nation. Meals on Wheels NEPA was one of the earliest agencies funded under the act to provide nutritional support to home-bound older adults.

The agency has evolved over the last 55 years to become the major provider of nutritional services to the elderly and disabled population of NEPA, nourishing over 2,000 individuals across six counties.

Growth

History

Not only does Meals on Wheels of NEPA provide older adults with nutritious meals, we also provide several other key services. We aim to support our clients holistically, by dropping a meal off, we can ensure the client is physically safe and healthy, and if something is wrong, we can get the client the help they need.

Our programs ensure older adults have a meal, are checked on, and have a friendly community member to chat with. Our CHOMP program also provides our clients with light housekeeping and socialization. If a client has just been discharged from the hospital, we can provide meals to anyone 18 years or older. We also provide our clients' pets with food and can assist with vet care.

Our supportive services holistically embrace older adults to promote independence and safe aging within the community.

Service

History

Service

Over the past 5 years, the organization has nearly doubled in size, serving over 2,000 individuals, and providing over a quarter of a million meals a year.

The agency now provides meals to older adults and community partners across Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne counties. In order to sustain the ever-expanding programmatic efforts, Meals on Wheels of NEPA relies on the support of our community members.

The populations of older adults and individuals with disabilities continues to grow exponentially, as does the requirement for services to address this vulnerable population's needs. If you can help us continue to grow, please reach out today.

Our Team

Leadership Team

Executive Director – Lindsey Skripka
Director of Programs and Operations – Nicole Fetch
Director of Production and Facilities – John Skeba

Board of Directors:

Officers:

Chair – Elaine F. Shepard
Vice-Chair – Jill (Spott) Durkin, Esq
Secretary – Anne Kessler
Past-Chair & Acting Treasurer – Gail Rees

Directors:

C. Randolph Williams
Dan Simrell
Mary Marrara
Joann Marsili
Maggie Farley
Kathryn Sunday
Kirsten Smith
Kathryn Serniak

Our Mission

Meals on Wheels Community Services of NEPA strives to provide nourishment and holistic support to older adults and individuals with disabilities across the region, coordinating with other local agencies to promote connection, advocacy, and independent living. Our collective vision is to readily adapt to the evolving needs of the community as a role model and innovative leader that prioritizes collaboration to serve our community. The agency's journey towards this vision is guided by the principle of service to our community with compassion, kindness, and respect.

Our Impact

In 2024, our team accomplished amazing feats:

Our commercial kitchen prepared and packaged 350,000 meals.
Our drivers and volunteers delivered 205,000 meals directly to the homes of 2,000 older and disabled adults – covering a total of 3,700 square miles.
Our drivers and volunteers delivered 5,470 meals to 330 Lackawanna County residents recuperating at home after a hospital discharge.
Our community health workers provided 9,500 hours of housekeeping and socialization to 83 older adults.
Our staff and volunteers hand delivered 700 holiday gifts.
Our Treasured Friends pet program expanded to provide pet food for 110 older adults, who were able to keep their 175 furry companions. Additionally, we provided veterinary care for 45 pets!

Holiday Closures 2026

The following holiday closures will be observed during 2025:

January 1 and 2, 2026 (Thursday and Friday) - New Year’s Day
February 16, 2026 (Monday) - Presidents Day
April 3, 2025 (Friday) - Good Friday
May 25, 2025 (Monday) - Memorial Day
July 3, 2025 (Friday) - Independence Day
September 7, 2025 (Monday) - Labor Day
November 26, 2025 (Thursday) - Thanksgiving
November 27, 2025 (Friday) - Day After Thanksgiving
December 24, 2026 (Thursday) - Christmas Eve
December 25, 2026 (Friday) - Christmas Day
January 1, 2027 (Friday) - New Year’s Day

About Meals on Wheels of NEPA

History

History

History

Growth

History

History

Service

History

Service

Our Team

Leadership Team

Our Mission

Our Impact

Holiday Closures 2026

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