We had the pleasure of sitting down with Paula Arnold, whose dedication and passion for serving others has never wavered in over forty years with Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula.
You are one of our longest tenured drivers. What brought you to MOWMPand what has kept you here?
I moved to Carmel in 1980, as a newlywed. In 1981 as we were starting our family and I had just been laid off. Rather than look for employment, I looked for a community service opportunity and saw an ad for MOWMP. Having worked with Seniors in high school, I felt I had the right temperament. I called Sally Griffin and she laughed, explaining they ALWAYS need volunteers. When I came in to meet everyone, they commented on my age and I let them know I was married and three months pregnant. I started driving the next week and have not stopped! I delivered meals on my route on Friday, May 7 and my daughter was born on Sunday, May 9, 1982. I took two weeks off, then brought her along for deliveries every Friday until she started school. Today my grandchildren deliver with me on holidays and summers. My partner Dennis has joined me every Friday since Covid. MOWMP is so integral to my life, I cannot imagine ending my 45 year stint.
Give a little background on yourself
I am a mother and grandmother who has instilled the community service gene in my family. I own the Dennis Murphy School of Music and have worked as a travel consultant my entire career. Travel is a lifelong passion. I have also been a Court Appointed Special Advocate for over 20 years, working with teens in the Juvenile Justice system. Serving both seniors and troubled teens gives me a sense of connection I could not find elsewhere.
What changes have you seen over the years?
I served on the fundraising committee that spearheaded our current building on Jewell ave., which was a tremendous milestone. The staff and board have grown in size and expertise, and the community has embraced our mission with much greater visibility. Operationally, we went from cumbersome wooden trays and foil covered meals to streamlined shrink wrapped containers. GPS was a godsend as we once relied solely on a map and route sheet. Cell phones allow instant communication with recipients and the office. Food quality has improved immensely and complaints are virtually nonexistent today. Our client base has expanded as well. In the early years our focus was solely on seniors and disabled individuals. Today we serve a much more varied population, including those facing food insecurity.
Any observations you would like to share?
As we grow, I hope we never lose the personal touch that drivers are known for. Our ability to foster genuine relationships with recipients is vital to our mission.
What has been the most fulfilling part of volunteering with MOWMP?
Knowing that my consistency has impacted hundreds of seniors and helped them remain in their homes as long as possible gives me tremendous satisfaction. I have intervened at crucial moments over the years, including advocating for recipients who were not being treated in their best interest by family members.
Can you share a story that has stayed with you?
So many come to mind. I spent weeks teaching a husband simple cooking techniques after his wife could no longer cook. He was so proud mastering new skills at his age. And more than once, a family has called asking me to visit their loved one in hospice to say goodbye. Being considered a caring friend by those families means everything.
What would you say to someone considering becoming a volunteer driver?
It is so simple to carve out two hours a week to make a real difference. For us, each delivery & visit is a few minutes, but for a senior living alone it is a lifeline. You are giving a small part of yourself to our most vulnerable neighbors.
You are a gift!
