March 5, 2025
Over 50 years ago, eight Central Texas women gathered to lead a humble yet mighty grassroots initiative to reduce local hunger in the community. Today, Meals on Wheels Central Texas nourishes thousands every single business day. In honor of International Women's Day, held March 8th, we would like to celebrate women's achievements by highlighting our very own neighbor--Joyce Protzman Payne.
Joyce Protzman Payne (85) grew up in Pennsylvania. From a young age, Joyce was inclined to the arts. She was also highly curious about the world and other cultures. In secondary school, she attended Moore Art Institute. Later, she attended Edinboro State Teacher's College on an art scholarship. Joyce, a loving wife and mother, also worked in the medical field as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.
The walls of Joyce's home today are lined with mementos, telling the story of a full, adventurous life. She has galleries of photographs and art she's accumulated throughout time--even displaying her very own paintings. Joyce is a nostalgic individual who lights up when asked about her story. Upon getting married, Joyce moved to Hollywood, Florida with her family. It was in Florida that her many hobbies took flight.
Naturally artistic, Joyce took up the disciplined art of Chinese Brush Painting at the Chow Studio in Miami. Painting would be one of her longstanding pursuits. In Florida, Joyce also took flight training, earning a private pilot's license. She joined two flying groups, one of which was for leisure flying. This group was called The Grasshoppers. The other was called The Ninety-Nines. This group of women pilots was founded by none other than flying pioneer, Amelia Earhart, in 1929. The group still exists today with thousands of members across 44 countries.
Throughout her life, Joyce traveled a lot. She lived in Okinawa, Japan with her family, and traveled to China and Taiwan to study art and learn about the countries' cultures. Today, Joyce still shares passionate conversations about the topics that interest her like art, performance, and even ecology. Recently, Joyce helped arrange a local art show for the Austin Okinawa Tomonokai.
Joyce does manage chronic pain in her neck, back, and arm today. She tells us that the pain makes it difficult to stand for long periods of time and reduces her capacity to hold onto objects or lift them. Joyce appreciates the support and care Meals on Wheels Central Texas volunteers deliver. She says the meals help ensure her daily nutrition needs are met.
Meals on Wheels Central Texas provides essential food security and nutrition support for older adults and people living with disabilities across the Greater Austin region. We are happy to share that Joyce joined us in February, advocating for our services and programs during the 89th Legislative Session. Joyce was able to share her testimony with state legislators at our Advocacy Day.
Each of our neighbors has a unique story to tell. Support our neighbors, like Joyce, who can continue aging in place with greater dignity and independence due to the life-enriching care we deliver. You can show support through a generous gift, a thoughtful message of advocacy, or an hour of community service at Meals on Wheels today.