First the Heart, Then the Work

“You are the salt of the earth…
You are the light of the world…
Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds.”
— Matthew 5

Los Angeles County is changing. By 2030, nearly 2.5 million residents will be aged 60 and older. Across California, millions of seniors are projected to struggle with everyday self-care tasks — including something as fundamental as preparing a meal.

Most will remain at home.

Often alone.

Behind these numbers are very human realities:

An empty refrigerator.
A stove left unused.
Days without a single visitor.

Guided by the enduring mission of the Daughters of Charity, St. Vincent Meals on Wheels has served as a safety net for homebound seniors for nearly fifty years.

This work has never been only about meals.

It is about serving the whole person.

Food and love.
A brief visit.
A reminder that someone is still there.

The spirit of this work can be expressed simply:

First the heart, then the work.

Compassion comes first.
Service follows.

In a county that is aging rapidly, this mission will only grow more urgent. Donor support will matter more than ever — sustaining not only meals, but dignity, stability, and human connection.

Because of you, homebound seniors receive the food and love they need not simply to endure, but to thrive.

Together, we continue strengthening the safety net for homebound seniors.