Events

Meals on Wheels Programs & Services of Rockland

Published

3 years ago

July 11, 2023

Nanuet, NY – Meals on Wheels Programs & Services of Rockland’s mission is to enhance the wellness of Rockland’s older adults and their families by providing services that support their safety, independence and health. Our vision is that every older adult in Rockland is living their life to the fullest. The agency aims to provide services, regardless of ethnicity, gender, resources or ability, and to do so in such a way to provide the most support possible. In particular, the agency seeks to reach those that may be especially at-risk, frail or isolated, and therefore we target our outreach efforts to that vulnerable population.

Ultimately, the agency strives to provide an on-going continuum of services to enhance our participants’ overall health, independence, and access to services, thereby preventing or forestalling premature institutionalization, and as a result enabling participants to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. In order to accomplish this, the agency works with a professional staff, hundreds of volunteers and many public and private groups.

Founded in 1974, our Home Delivered Meals Program has been our core service since the beginning. We deliver nutritious meals to Rockland residents who cannot shop or cook for themselves due to illness, temporary disability or permanent physical disability. Home delivered meals is the major part of our greater continuum of care that enables older adults to remain as independent as possible and living in their own homes. In addition to the daily meals, caring volunteers deliver a friendly, personal connection, a safety check, and an important link to the greater community. In response to the new, greater issues our recipients have faced since COVID-19, we have initiated a Telephone Reassurance Program to help alleviate feelings of isolation amongst our homebound and check on their health and mental well-being. Our other programs include senior activity centers, which provide transportation, food and socialization through various programming. Additionally, we work with a program to provide home meals for cancer patients and with our partners in Rockland County to aid in food recovery for the food insecure.

In 2022, we delivered over 164,000 meals! This would not have been possible without donors who share the belief that we must all come together, appreciate and look out for the seniors in our community, who took care of us for so long. Our collective goal is that seniors are not left behind, forgotten or hungry. Instead, they are able to live out the independent lives they deserve and enjoy the kind of life-giving connections that will nourish them as they continue to age. Moreover, as they continue to age, we love to celebrate all our meal recipients, especially landmark birthdays for example — this includes 26 recipients that turned 100 or more this past year! That momentous 164,000 meals served, is up +36% from the same time frame pre-COVID-19. It is challenging to keep up, but we do, thanks to all those who care and give what they can. Our army of Volunteers also make it possible. There were 650 people who volunteered in some way this year; this includes 170 people who regularly drive one of our 60 meal routes.

Events

Rockland County Wendy’s to Honor Foster and Adoptive Families November 18

Published

2 days ago

November 9, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Rockland County is once again partnering with local Wendy’s restaurants to recognize National Adoption Month and raise awareness about the need for foster families.

For the 15th consecutive year, the Rockland County Department of Social Services (RCDSS) Children’s Services Unit will join Wendy’s locations in Nanuet and West Haverstraw on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, for an event honoring foster and adoptive families throughout the county.

As part of the celebration, the two participating Wendy’s restaurants will provide free meals to Rockland County foster and adoptive families in recognition of the legacy of Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas, who was adopted as an infant.

Thomas became a longtime advocate for adoption and founded the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption in 1992, based on his belief that every child deserves a safe, loving and permanent home.

The local restaurants are operated by Wenesco Restaurants, whose owners, Kevin Woodside and Phillip Anastos, are continuing Thomas’ legacy by supporting foster care and adoption initiatives in the community.

99 Rockland County Children Have Found Forever Homes

The annual partnership has helped bring attention to the importance of foster family recruitment and adoption throughout Rockland County.

According to county officials, 99 children have found their forever homes over the past 15 years with the assistance and support of community partners like Wendy’s.

“We are grateful to Wendy’s for partnering with us for the 15th consecutive year to raise awareness of the need for caring and loving foster homes and to recognize the tireless efforts and compassion of our adoptive and foster care parents,” said Patrick A. Frawley, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Social Services.

County Executive Ed Day also encouraged residents who have considered fostering a child to learn more about the opportunity.

“Fostering a child is a truly special opportunity to change a young person’s life,” Day said. He encouraged anyone considering becoming a foster parent to explore the process and discover the difference they could make in a child’s life.

Residents Invited to Learn About Becoming Foster Parents

In addition to honoring existing foster and adoptive families, the November 18 event will give residents an opportunity to speak with representatives and learn more about becoming a foster parent or navigating the adoption process.

Anyone interested in learning more is invited to stop by either participating Wendy’s location between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18.

Participating locations:

Wendy’s Nanuet: 90 Route 59, Nanuet, NY
Wendy’s West Haverstraw: 125 Route 9W, West Haverstraw, NY

Residents interested in becoming foster parents can also find additional information through the Rockland County Department of Social Services at FosterRockland.com.

The annual event serves as a reminder that every child deserves a safe and loving home, and that becoming a foster parent can make a lasting difference in a young person’s life.

Events

Lowe’s Offering Free Holiday Engine Workshop for Kids November 14

Published

3 days ago

November 8, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Kids Club Holiday Engine Workshop Announcement

Families looking for a fun and creative activity for their children this November can take advantage of a free holiday-themed workshop through Lowe’s Kids Club.

Lowe’s is inviting young builders to get creative during its Holiday Engine Workshop, scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 10 a.m.

The free workshop gives children an opportunity to participate in a hands-on building activity while celebrating the holiday season.

Part of the Lowe’s Kids Club program, these workshops are designed to encourage creativity, introduce children to basic building skills and provide families with an opportunity to enjoy a fun activity together.

The Holiday Engine Workshop is free to participate in, but advance registration is required. Parents or guardians must have a child’s Kids Club profile and complete registration to participate.

Space and participation may be subject to availability, and Lowe’s notes that workshops are subject to terms and conditions and may change.

For families interested in signing up, additional information and registration details are available at Lowes.com/KidsClub.

With the holiday season approaching, this is another opportunity for young builders to roll up their sleeves, get creative and enjoy a little hands-on holiday fun!