John B.

John B. always greets you with a smile and a story from his fascinating life. He’s has had his own TV show on public access television, he’s traveled the country as a truck driver, and he’s done community service work with his local church for many years. But he says one of the most fulfilling jobs he ever had was working in the Chicago area with former prisoners to help with their reentry into regular life.

As a member of the Meals at Home Board of Directors, John is still active in his church today and enjoys spending time with his 21 grandchildren.

Rosamund B.

Rosamund B. is 87 years old and lives in Wilmette. A loving mother to two daughters and a son, Rosamund was raised Jewish but has been practicing the Baha’i faith since the 1970s. She has taught others about her faith while on an excursion to Japan and has even been on a pilgrimage to Israel.

Rosamund is an extremely accomplished pianist who has been playing the piano since she was five years old. Passionate about performing, she has performed in many recitals and concerts and never got stage fright. She also composes her own music and has five CDs. She taught piano for 35 years. She says that she goes to a “different world” when she plays the piano and describes the feeling as “joy and exaltation.” Rosamund had a lifelong dream fulfilled when her music was played on WFMT on March 31, 2018.

Yusef A.

Yusuf A. was born in Chicago and now resides in Evanston. Born as Freddie, he changed his name to Yusuf when he became Muslim. Although he converted back to Christianity later, he kept his name Yusuf.

Yusuf believes in treating others with kindness and respect. He is a generous person who enjoys listening and helping others. He says that ”listening is sometimes more important than talking.”

Yusuf believes in a higher power and is proud of the fact that he is no longer addicted to alcohol. He believes that “today is an opportunity to wake up and try to do better than yesterday.”

Yusuf speaks very highly about his experience with Meals on Wheels and says that the “volunteers who come are very friendly and I look forward to them coming as they could be doing something else.” He goes on to say that “Meals on Wheels makes my life much better; without their support, I wouldn’t be where I am in my recovery.”

Joe y.

Joe Y. was born in East Chicago. He later lived in Griffin, Ind. until the age of 18 when he joined the Navy in 1969. He also served in the Marine Corps from 1980-1987.

Joe was born and raised Catholic. He enjoys studying the Bible and says he has, “Gotten close to God to stay alive.” Joe says the happiest time of his life was when his son was born. He is also very proud to be a grandfather to three children with fourth one on the way. Another wonderful part of Joe’s life is his dog, Bowie. Bowie is a Black Labrador rescue dog that Joe absolutely adores.

Joe appreciates the assistance he has received from Meals on Wheels and says that, “All the people are nice and they even bring treats for Bowie!”

Lois M.

Lois M., the youngest of six children, was born on the south side of Chicago. She moved to Evanston when she was a teenager and attended Evanston Township High School.  

Lois loves talking to people and making others happy. One of her favorite volunteer experiences was at the children’s unit at the University of Chicago Hospital. For the past year, Lois has been working as a recruiter for a field work research time and she really enjoys it.  She also loves to go to church, work out at the Y, and knitting.

But as much as Lois loves being around others and getting out, she struggles with rheumatoid arthritis and bipolar disorder. She has been a Meals on Wheels client for 17 years, and it really helps her manage day to day life. Lois’ favorite memories are of traveling to Paris and London with her sister, and she hopes to continue her travels in the future.