Launched in Chestnut Hill in 1975, Chestnut Hill Meals on Wheels (CHMOW) is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that works to help vulnerable older adults, people who are injured, and recuperating and disabled homebound neighbors receive the meals and community connection they need. In 2009, a nonprofit organization was formed that has gradually expanded to include 13 zip codes.

CHMOW also partners with area social service agencies to address clients’ needs beyond meals. Their newest pilot program is Arts on Wheels, a collaborative effort of CHMOW and Allens Lane Art Center (ALAC) to bring creative arts to the older and often homebound CHMOW clients.

The program is led by Carey Davis, CHMOW’s executive director. “We were fortunate enough to get an innovative grant from the Sarah Ralston Foundation to fund Arts on Wheels,” Davis told the Local in a recent interview.

“The foundation funds organizations serving vulnerable and underserved older adults in the Philadelphia area,” Davis said. “I don’t know if a program like this exists anywhere else in the country. We hope that this program can eventually be replicated in arts centers and meals programs across the country.”

Nan Latona, new executive director at ALAC, added, “We have to give credit to Vita Litvak because this program was essentially her idea, and we are following through with it.” Litvak, ALAC’s former executive director, departed the center in November after a three-year tenure.

As part of Arts on Wheels, the volunteers who deliver food to clients also deliver pre-assembled art-making kits in addition to providing trips to Woodmere art museum where participants can sit in on interviews with artists led by docents and staff members at Allens Lane Art Center.

CHMOW currently has 120 clients in Northwest Philadelphia and the contiguous suburbs. “Many have difficulty with mobility issues,” Davis said. “Some can’t use their hands, and some are visually impaired or have arthritis, but we want everyone to participate. Some volunteers have their own limitations but have been instructors.”

The program also offers participants the opportunity to learn about weaving, ceramics art and small collage making. “So far the feedback has been all positive,” Latona said. “In the fall, there will be no-cost classes weekly at Allens Lane. Ten people have expressed interest so far in the classes.”

Clients who have some background in art have expressed interest, Davis added, along with some who “say they never did anything like this before. The art is also an avenue to dealing with others, which also helps them deal with loneliness.”

Most participants live in their own houses or apartments, although there are also residents of Bethlehem Village, an assisted living facility in Flourtown. Most are couples, but some live with adult children.

“One lady with multiple sclerosis sent a photo to us of the art she made,” Davis said. “That was wonderful. We are helping seniors continue to develop their skills and social connections. Talking to neighbors or on the internet to an artist helps improve their mental health.

“She got an Uber car and came to Woodmere. She created a piece about the wonders of the universe. She said, ‘I have M.S. This was good for me. I enjoyed myself.’ That was very exciting to see. We have about 50 volunteers, weekly drivers and substitute drivers, but we can always use more.”

CHMOW services are available to persons of any age who are of limited ability or are homebound; the majority of clients (81%) are age 62 and older, with 43% being 80 years or older. Currently, only 35% of the clients are able to pay for their meals, and 65% are fully subsidized, receiving them for free.

Volunteer drivers deliver two meals (lunch and dinner) every weekday, year-round. Meals include full dinners, milk, fresh fruit, homemade desserts and fresh daily soups and sandwiches. The mission of the nonprofit extends beyond delivering meals as volunteer drivers serve as safety check-ins and offer opportunities for social engagement to clients who face daily isolation.

My older brother, Bennett, received Meals on Wheels for many years from the Abington branch, based in Glenside. “The conversations I had with the volunteers who delivered the food were just as valuable as the food itself,” he told me earlier this year. “Most of them were up in years also, so they could identify with my situation of living alone in a big house.”

Local community partners — scout troops, churches, garden clubs — provide plants, holiday treats, blankets and birthday gifts to help clients feel remembered and valued.

CHMOW also partners with other nonprofits to periodically assist with home repair, lawn care, emergency food needs and other concerns. Similarly, CHMOW shares donated items and connects volunteers with these partners when possible.

CHMOW receives no government support but relies upon individuals, businesses and foundations to fulfill its mission. If you know someone who needs food delivery, call 215-233-5555.

Len Lear can be reached at lenlear@chestnuthilllocal.com.