A Simple Meal Can Change a Life
Life can change in an instant.
For David, it happened with a car accident.
Before the accident, David was running his own small business, and living a good life in Northern Colorado. Afterward, everything felt uncertain. The injuries he sustained led to seizures and memory challenges that made everyday life harder than he ever imagined. He could no longer drive, and even public transportation became dangerous. More than once, he found himself disoriented, lost, or waking up in the hospital.
Asking for help was not easy. David is proud and independent by nature. But with encouragement from a close friend, he finally reached out to Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud.
By the time he connected with us, David was often forgetting to eat for days at a time.
For the past five weeks, a volunteer has delivered meals to David’s door. Nutritious food, prepared with care, has brought structure back into his days. Just as important, someone shows up regularly, notices how he is doing, and lets him know he is not alone.
David recently shared something quietly honest. Some days, the Support Coordinator at Meals on Wheels is the only person who calls to check in on him.
She made something very clear to David from the beginning. If he does not answer the door, we will call. And if we cannot reach him, we will keep checking until we know he is safe.
That promise matters.
Recently, David told us he has not had a seizure in over a month. While many factors contribute to health, consistent nutrition and routine matter. Knowing that someone will notice if something is wrong brings a sense of safety that cannot be overstated.
Our team has also connected David to additional financial and case management resources, helping him navigate the parts of life that can feel overwhelming after trauma.
David still carries the weight of what he has lost. He misses who he used to be, and loneliness is something he continues to face. But he is deeply grateful that people are looking out for him and that someone cares enough to check in.
This is what your support makes possible.
A meal is never just a meal. It is nourishment, dignity, and safety. It is a knock at the door. It is a phone call that says, “We are here. You matter.”
On Colorado Gives Day, your generosity helps fuel this work. Your gift ensures that people like David have food they can rely on, caring eyes watching out for them, and human connection when they need it most.
Together, we can make sure no one faces hunger, isolation, or recovery alone.