March 6, 2025
Meals on Wheels Central Texas hosts a Congregate Social Site at the Del Valle Community Center, providing social connection and nutritious lunchtime meals for visitors 60 and up every Tuesday through Thursday. James Cunningham, site coordinator at Del Valle, believes that in addition to the nutritious meals, what draws the crowd in is the opportunity to participate.
"We come here for the meaningful connection." - Pat, Del Valle
Neighbors at the Del Valle site find joy in decorating their shared space, hosting events, and taking the lead in organizing all the activities they will participate in. Here, the space is open and bright and always decorated for the occasion. Holidays are a special time when neighbors add extra spirit to their surroundings.
Liam, a Del Valle neighbor, shares that he has been visiting congregate sites for over nineteen years. Before his wife passed, the two would frequent the Derwood location for social recreation and healthy lunch. Today, Liam visits the Del Valle site for friendly conversation and his meals.
Merlinda and Pauline, newer Del Valle participants, have been visiting for two years now. Merlinda makes the drive from Luling, Texas to join Pauline to attend congregate. The two enjoy spending quality time together and look forward to social time with their peers here. They share that they quite enjoy Burger Days at Congregate.
Pat, another longtime neighbor, shares that her nickname at the site is "The General." She attributes the nickname to her military background. James says it's also because of her superb leadership qualities. Although neighbors all wear different hats to make this congregate site fun and recreational, there feels like a natural order of tasks among the crowd. Each person can utilize their unique qualities and strengths to add shine to this site. Here neighbors can feel comfortable in a shared space they collaborate to create together.
Participation is the keyword at the Del Valle Site. Tuesday and Wednesday are dedicated to Loteria, which is a Mexican card game similar in concept to BINGO. After much of the group has trickled in and found a comfortable place to sit, that's when the games begin. Loteria starts at 11 am on the dot! As the clock strikes game-time, a hush lulls over the site and neighbors lock in with focus and determination to win. Thursdays at the site are ritually BINGO days.
Congregate sites are open to visitors of the Greater Austin region who are 60 or above and still active. Meals on Wheels Central Texas hosts two types of congregate sites: Meal-Only Sites and Social Sites, like Del Valle. These sites are little communities where neighbors find friendship and support among their peers. Recreation at the sites can give way to cognitive and social stimulation. Although participation is optional, it's always high!
Memories are made around nutritious food, fun games, and warm conversation here. Make a gift to support our mission at Meals on Wheels Central Texas, including programs that promote social connection and nutrition like our Congregate Lunch Centers.