Everything Matters

“Blessed is he who gives food to the hungry” Psalm 146

At St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, we believe that everything matters. The beauty of human life — its triumphs, hardships, and daily moments — is found both in the extraordinary and in the humble. As a ministry of the Daughters of Charity, who have served the poor and vulnerable in Los Angeles since the 1850s, we carry forward their legacy of honoring both the great and the small, always with compassion and care. And it is your generosity that makes this mission possible.

Cary W., one of our clients, is a vivid reminder of this truth. Born with severe bone deformities, he wore heavy braces as a child yet excelled so much in school that he was placed in a regular program, where for the first time he realized he was “different.” That realization never defined him. Cary’s optimism — his ability to see the glass half full — became his strength. He went on to graduate with honors, attend UCLA, and build a successful career as an IT specialist, even traveling to the Olympics in Athens to program computers for Team USA. Today, though legally blind and homebound, he continues to face life with gratitude, resilience, and hope.

Our work with Cary, and with thousands of other clients, goes far beyond delivering meals. Through our Home Sweet Home program, our social workers Vanessa and Fiona ensured Cary received a sturdy walker to help him move safely around his home. Daily interactions with our runners, drivers, dietitians, and social workers help combat loneliness, providing not just nutrition but connection and care. Cary himself says our team goes “above and beyond in every way.”

Your support helps seniors like Cary not just survive, but thrive — surrounded by the dignity and connection that affirm their place in the great fabric of life.