September 22, 2025
*Photo changed to protect privacy.
Our Meals on Wheels neighbor, Judy, forged a meaningful career as a cyber security trailblazer. These days, at age 81, she channels her energy into advocacy for individuals living with disabilities—a passion born from her own lived experience.
Judy participates in research initiatives with universities like Stanford. These studies include virtual reality therapies aimed at treating mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder.
By helping with these studies, Judy has come to believe in the power of virtual worlds as a means of connection for older adults and people living with disabilities. “In the virtual world called Second Life,” Judy shares, “there’s a large population of adults 55 and up.”
She shares that on Second Life, older adults can participate in activities like dance class, rowing, meditative circles, grief groups and more. Second Life has helped Judy feel less alone as she navigates aging in place independently.
Judy is not alone in the feelings of isolation she experiences. Whether it be because of health conditions, reduced access to transportation, or mobility constraints, many homebound older adults experience feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Judy shares that Meals on Wheels Central Texas has also brought her comfort. Her volunteers bring smiles and warm conversation with each meal delivery, every Monday through Friday.
“I have a village of the best delivery guys and gals. They make what time they have in their schedules share a caring conversation, provide technical tips from fellow nerds, exchange recipes, and open jars my arthritic hands can’t,” Judy says.
Judy, whose condition affects her ability to absorb nutrients, relies on the meals our program delivers to aid her nutrition. “It helps me get the vitamins I need.” It’s simply a bonus that the volunteers who deliver this nourishment are her “eyes and ears,” ensuring she—and others—never feel alone.
Though Judy finds much comfort and connection through virtual worlds, many of the older adults we serve do not have a means to access it. Judy is hopeful that this type of tool will become more accessible to all individuals in the future, and she continues to advocate for that.
Right now, one thing is certain. Our Meals on Wheels Central Texas volunteers are helping to reduce hunger and isolation for our neighbors in need—one friendly knock at a time.
Help Us Maintain this Lunchtime Lifeline
Meal delivery volunteers are essential in helping us combat local hunger and social isolation amongst our homebound neighbors who live alone.
Join us and experience The Power of The Knock first-hand. Click the button below to sign-up and volunteer.
When you donate to Meals on Wheels Central Texas, you help provide More Than A Meal for neighbors like Judy who depend on this nourishment and social connection. Click the button below to make a donation that nourishes.