Arlington, VA – June 2, 2020 – Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander, Board Chair Patti Lyons and Vice Chair Calvin Moore released a statement in response to the nationwide civil unrest:
Like the rest of the country, our network continues to be in the throes of responding to an unprecedented pandemic—which we have done and will continue to do with unshakeable commitment to protecting those who are most vulnerable and need our support. We are immensely proud of the impact Meals on Wheels is having and the collaboration and dedication of our network through this crisis. At the same time, the deep-rooted, long-standing issue of systemic racism has been reignited, and it requires us to respond with the same unshakeable commitment to protecting those who need and deserve our support.
Many are suffering from violent reminders that their lives are not protected from the consequences of hatred and brutality and are experiencing trauma and fear. This is a time like no other to come together and exemplify what we aspire to be as a community: where everyone is created equal, where everyone is seen, where everyone is heard, where everyone belongs and where everyone is safe. These are the values we embrace at Meals on Wheels America and these are the values we want to uphold through our influence.