Newcomer uses Meals-On-Wheels to discover Winston-Salem

By Nancy Bruce “It’s what the world is about; it’s what we’re supposed to do.” Glenn Clairmont has been involved in many non-profit organizations as an administrator and worked 30 years as a high school counselor, but never in hands-on service to older adults until he volunteered to deliver Meals-on-Wheels in Winston-Salem. Before moving to North Carolina, he took care of his mother in upstate New York and connected her with Meals-on-Wheels, which she grew to appreciate.   As a newcomer to Winston-Salem almost three years ago, Glenn thought delivering meals would help him become familiar with the area. He started slowly, delivering once a week to ten homes. It soon became clear to Glenn that the simple act of providing someone with a nutritious meal was more than just a meal. “You do not understand the need until you knock on someone’s door and see someone who can’t prepare a meal or afford a meal.” He discovered that people need to be seen, to be known, to be loved, and to maintain dignity despite their situations. For older adults who have trouble getting out of the house, the tasty meals delivered five days a week by a committed volunteer also...