PALS (Pets Assisting the Lives of Seniors)

The PALS (Pets Assisting the Lives of Seniors) program at Meals on Wheels Central Texas provides assistance in caring for the pets of our elderly and disabled homebound clients. A pet can provide much needed companionship and help to reduce the isolation and loneliness that many of our clients experience. The PALS mission is to keep clients and their pets together, living at home with dignity. The PALS presentation will include information about the clients and pets we serve, the services we offer to help keep them together, and about volunteer and donor opportunities with the program.

About our speaker:

Heather Allard is the program manager for the PALS (Pets Assisting the Lives of Seniors) program at Meals on Wheels Central Texas (MOWCTX). She has a professional, educational, and volunteer background in animal welfare. Prior to MOWCTX, Heather worked at the Austin Humane Society and earned her master’s degree at UT Austin. During her seven year tenure with PALS, she has worked to both expand and deepen the reach of PALS, and the program has grown substantially. In addition, Heather was elected as the first chairperson of the Meals on Wheels America Pet Advisory Council. In this capacity, she has been able to share resources and knowledge with other organizations starting or growing their own pet assistance programs. She has presented at state and national conferences about pet assistance programs. Heather continues to volunteer in animal welfare, as a foster for orphaned kittens at a local animal shelter.

Featured Lunch Meal $12:

Salisbury Steak
Mash Potatoes
Turnip Greens
Lemon Cake

Optional Lunch Meal $12:
Chef Salad

Meals provided by Manny Sifuentes, manager at Cafe del Rio, a business staffed by the Texas Commission for the Blind.

    

Please register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday