BEHIND THE MASKS OF OUR ESSENTIAL WORKERS
Misgana Aregai
Meals on Wheels Program Volunteer Coordinator, Senior Services of Alexandria
Misgana Aregai is caring for her community through her dedication to ensure Meals on Wheels clients and volunteers remain safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has been on the front line since the outbreak, scheduling and meeting volunteers who deliver Meals on Wheels to vulnerable adults in the Alexandria community. A colleague shared the following: “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Misgana for almost a year now. Her gentle personality makes her a perfect fit to coordinate MOW volunteers. Misgana is our front-line worker and I am grateful for all she does behind the mask!”
With COVID-19, SSA’s volunteer shifts have had to change quite significantly. Not only do volunteers now have to go through more extensive safety procedures, but the Meals on Wheels client base has doubled. Every morning Monday-Friday, Misgana can be found at the loading dock at Jeffery’s Catering, organizing the day’s deliveries, greeting volunteers using strict health protocols, answering their questions and working with clients if there are any issues. With the help of Jeffery’s Catering Company, Misgana has made the transition a smooth one while training new volunteers and ensuring clients receive education materials about the virus. She continues to show great patience and flexibility in order to adapt to daily changes.
A cheerful face in the morning, volunteers know they can count on Misgana to address any issues they may have and to equip them with the tools and knowledge necessary to feel safe and confident when delivering meals. She approaches sudden changes and challenges in a professional and pleasant manner. Since the start of the pandemic, Misgana hasn’t missed a day ensuring that homebound seniors are receiving their needed daily nutrition. She is a dedicated and committed member of the SSA Meals on Wheels team!
