For nearly 22 years, Anna Reeves has delivered meals to homebound seniors through the Oneonta Senior Center.
A lifelong Oneonta resident, Reeves first became involved at the center as a volunteer alongside her sister after their grandmother began attending programs there.
She later joined the staff and now helps ensure older adults who cannot travel to the center still receive consistent meals, along with regular check-ins that provide reassurance and connection.
“I love it,” she said. “It’s a blessing to be able to do it.”
In 2025, United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) selected the Oneonta Senior Center as one of 10 Blount County organizations to receive a Community Project Grant. The grants support short-term projects or one-time needs identified at the local level.
Around the time funding became available, limited program funding and capacity had reduced home-delivered meal services in the area from 80 seniors to 49. With fewer meal slots available, providers had to prioritize seniors with the most urgent medical and mobility needs, leaving dozens of other homebound seniors without reliable access to daily meals despite still qualifying for support.
Using the Community Project Grant, center leadership worked to restore service for roughly 11 individuals who had been removed from the program, partnering with the 4 All Foundation to expand meal delivery once again.
The funding allowed vulnerable seniors to return to consistent meal service — often paired with a daily wellness check from volunteers such as Reeves.
Supporting Seniors Across Oneonta
The Oneonta Senior Center serves older adults both onsite and through home-delivered meals within a three-mile radius. Seniors who are able to attend the center participate in congregate meals, exercise classes and social activities, while others receive meals delivered directly to their homes.
The center also operates the only adult day support program in Blount County. Local firefighters regularly visit participants to check blood pressure, review medications and monitor overall health.
Staff members say that these routine interactions are just as important as the services themselves.
“I’ve seen people come in very quiet after losing someone,” Reeves said. “After being here a while, they start talking and connecting with others again.”
Many participants also live on fixed incomes, making the center an important source of reliable nutrition and a hedge against food costs while also providing social connection and daily support.
Local Decisions, Local Impact
“Community Project Grants allow us to support organizations responding to needs identified at the local level,” said Shakeitha Tatum, UWCA Vice President of Agency Relations. “They give communities the ability to act quickly when gaps arise.”
For the Oneonta Senior Center, that flexibility meant restoring an essential service without delay and helping seniors remain healthy and independent at home.
Through partnerships between United Way of Central Alabama, local leaders and community organizations, seniors in Blount County continue receiving the meals, care and connection that allow them to stay safe, nourished and engaged close to home.