They bring food — and a lot of comfort.
A trio of volunteers with developmental disabilities delivers warm meals to homebound senior citizens on the Upper East Side every week, in an arrangement that spreads well-being all around.
“I love my job. It makes me very happy,” said Elizabeth, 32, as she led a team of two other volunteers, David and Molly, on Thursday.
The three, who asked that only their first names be used, made their first stop that day at the home of Pauline Joy Thomas, 87.
“She loves when we deliver to her,” said Elizabeth. ” She gets her full, happy day, because she loves us having conversations.”
Indeed, Thomas was delighted to see the group.
“I’m very grateful for the food and the people who deliver it,” she said after welcoming the group and hugging Elizabeth.
“I’ve been all over the world and I know people very well … the people here in no way ever are condescending.
“They’re all friendly, they like what they’re doing, and there’s no ‘Let’s get it over with’ attitude at all. They’re just terrific.”
The program was created by the Carter Burden Network, a nonprofit organization that helps seniors. The network teamed up with the Young Adult Institute, which runs group homes and programs for developmentally disabled adults.
The volunteers, who have a range of developmental disabilities, learn key life lessons as they navigate their route each day, program supporters say.
Elizabeth, David and Molly deliver meals from Monday through Thursday. Last week, they also dropped off warm food to Susan Conheim, 81, who began to receive meal deliveries when she had a knee replacement approximately five years ago.
“And I just had shoulder replacement, so I’m grateful for it, because it helps,” she said. “I don’t have to shop and carry food up the stairs.”
