Oakland Rehabilitation And Healthcare, Meals On Wheels Partner

OAKLAND, NJ — Meals on Wheels North Jersey has partnered with Oakland Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, with plans for five new meal distribution routes in the works.

The Oakland nursing facility will provide meals for home-bound clients of MOW North Jersey along these five new routes in northern Bergen County, with planning for expanded routes and additional support services underway.

Daily packages with three meals will be prepared Monday through Friday for approximately three-dozen MOW North Jersey clients who reside in Oakland, Franklin Lakes, Mahwah and Ramsey.

MOW North Jersey currently serves 30 towns.

The program got its start out of the Park Ridge Diner 50 years ago, and is known for providing more than a meal to home-bound individuals, focusing on "nourishing both the body and mind through the delivery of food and a daily well visit," according to a news release.

This focus on the body and mind is of utmost importance to both organizations as the coronavirus pandemic continues to linger.

"Meals on Wheels and Oakland Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center share the same passion for serving the whole person," said MOW North Jersey executive director Jeanne Martin. "The ongoing pandemic has been particularly isolating for seniors, taking a toll on the physical and mental well-being of many. Our partnership with Oakland enables us to work toward providing additional resources to seniors, helping them stay safe and healthy in their homes."

Oakland’s Debra Ryan, director of dining and nutrition, and Herbert Turner, the facility’s head chef for more than three decades, are spearheading the MOW initiative.

"This new initiative is a special opportunity for Oakland to help in addressing the growing needs of home-bound seniors in the community and support efforts to enrich their lives," said Anthony Ventrella, vice president of dining at Marquis Health Consulting Services, which supports Oakland.

Meals are delivered by MOW North Jersey volunteers, who also use the visit to interact with the home-bound clients.

Located at 20 Break Neck Road, Oakland Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center provides post-hospital care, short-term rehab and long-term residential care. The facility maintains a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), according to a news release.

To become a MOW volunteer, drivers must be available to pick up and deliver meals from 10 to 11 a.m., Monday through Friday; drivers typically volunteer one day per month. Please call Jeanne at (201) 358-0050 or Jeanne@mealsonwheelsnorthjersey.org for more information.

This story is part of Patch's Headlining Hope series, which profiles local nonprofits and charitable organizations in need of volunteers and resources. If you know of a local organization that should be profiled, contact montana.samuels@patch.com.