On Thursday, September 24, Citymeals on Wheels held its Annual Provider Party and STAR Awards at the Mercury Store in Brooklyn. The event celebrates the people who, in Citymeals' words, "go above and beyond each day to ensure NYC's homebound older adults receive not only nutritious meals, but also care, dignity, and meaningful connection."
Citymeals delivers meals and connection to about 22,000 older New Yorkers, and it relies on provider partners like Carter Burden Network to do it. Each year, the STAR Awards honor the case managers, kitchen staff, meal deliverers and drivers who make that work possible. This year, two of the honorees are ours.
The Bill Dionne Luncheon Club kitchen team
Every weekday, the kitchen at the Bill Dionne Luncheon Club prepares the meals that members eat together in our dining room and that we deliver to neighbors who can't leave home. It's steady, demanding work, and the team does it with care for every plate. Food Service Manager Moufd Naji and key kitchen team member Connie Francis accepted the award on behalf of the whole kitchen staff.
Case Manager Amber Sanders
Amber Sanders was nominated by Sohaula DePeyster, LMSW, our Assistant Director of Case Management, who began her nomination with a quote from Heather French Henry: "No one has made it through life without someone else's help.”
"I think of this quote whenever I think of Amber because she genuinely values the life and well-being of every individual we serve," Sohaula wrote. "Her compassion is not simply something she talks about. It is reflected in her actions every day."
Whether she's on the phone with an older adult or delivering an emergency meal, Amber looks at the whole person. She considers their physical health, emotional needs, mobility, safety, home and access to resources. And when she spots a need, she doesn't just point someone in the right direction. She makes sure they get the help.
One story says a lot about her. After work hours, Amber delivered a recliner to a client. She could have dropped it at the door. Instead, she brought it inside, unboxed it, hauled away the packaging and made sure the client was comfortable. Before she left, she asked if there was anything else they needed.
She brings the same attention to every emergency meal delivery. She checks on the client's overall well-being, notices safety concerns, looks at how their mobility fits their living space and helps rearrange things when needed. She also opens the door to conversations about other needs, giving clients a chance to share worries they might otherwise keep to themselves.
"She reminds us that meaningful service is not just about completing a task; it is about making someone feel safe, valued, and less alone," Sohaula wrote. "Someone who sees the whole person, provides compassionate support, and consistently goes beyond their job description is more than an outstanding co-worker. They are a humanitarian."
Please join us in congratulating Amber and the Bill Dionne Luncheon Club kitchen team. And thank you to Citymeals on Wheels for recognizing the people who make sure no older New Yorker is forgotten.
