‘We are honored’ | Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Donna McClure and Connie Stredwick are the dynamic duo behind Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels, bringing humor and dedication to their roles that mirror the iconic friendship of Lucy and Ethel from the classic sitcom “I Love Lucy.”

McClure, the kitchen supervisor, jokingly claims the title of Ethel, while Stredwick, a cook, embraces her role as Lucy with a youthful energy that belies her years of service. Both women have been instrumental in the success of Meals on Wheels, a program that has been serving seniors in the region for 50 years.

As part of the nonprofit Senior Life Resources Northwest, Meals on Wheels aims to meet the nutritional and social needs of thousands of seniors in the community. The agency is celebrating its milestone anniversary this year, with a gala planned on June 20 to raise funds for the program.

Since joining Meals on Wheels in the 1990s, McClure and Stredwick have seen the program grow and evolve, now serving meals to seniors at eight dining facilities in Benton and Franklin counties. In 2023 alone, the program provided over 58,000 meals at dining sites, delivered nearly 200,000 meals to homebound seniors, and conducted over 1,200 in-person nutrition evaluations.

In addition to Meals on Wheels, Senior Life Resources Northwest offers Home Care Services to help seniors and vulnerable individuals live more independently. With a team of 750 caregivers serving clients in eight counties, the program provided over 900,000 service hours in 2023.

As the agency looks forward to another 50 years of service, Executive Director Brandy Hickey emphasizes the importance of community support and dedicated employees like McClure, Stredwick, and Home Care Services Director Cherie Noble. The 50th anniversary gala, themed “Cruising Through Eras,” promises to be a celebration of the agency’s past accomplishments and a look towards a bright future.