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Vita-Living and Hurricane Harvey

On behalf of our clients and the dedicated staff who care for them, we would like to thank our friends and donors for your outpouring of support and concern in the wake of Harvey’s destruction. Our resident clients and host families benefit greatly from the support of their local communities, and we all felt the immense impact of this storm on our own lives and on those of our neighbors.  We do estimate a total of $15-$20,000 in repair costs for minor damages sustained by several of our 19 group homes.  We also continue to learn of the losses suffered by so many of our 350 case management families, across seven area counties.

Hurricane Harvey Vita LivingMost fortunately, our resident homes were not flooded, and thanks to the precautionary measures taken by our staff and their tireless commitment during the event, our residents remained safe and sound throughout the storm.  Several of these same employees, however, clocked overtime hours at our group homes as their families faced life-or-death situations.  Certain staff members and their families suffered major losses:  homes and cars were flooded, and some families were obliged to evacuate to area shelters.  While these staff members take needed time to repair damages and recover alongside their loved ones, the temporary reduction in staff is resulting in additional overtime costs that are not covered by fees for service.  Vita-Living needs the support of our generous donors more than ever, in order to continue providing the highest standard of care in the wake of this citywide disaster.

Other extra-budgetary expenses include the cost of additional food for our 72 residents and direct care staff who remained in the homes throughout.  Since our usual catering service was waylaid by the storm, we have been obliged to buy meals at retail costs.  Meanwhile, we continue to experience delays in cash flow due to the interruption of activity at Houston-area banks and most other businesses.

We at Vita-Living recognize the immediate need for charitable funds across our city, in support of lifesaving and restorative services and support.  Philanthropic focus on the most urgent needs is key, as our communities struggle to heal and rebuild.  Against this backdrop, we are more grateful than ever for the support of our longtime donors, volunteers, and community partners.  You are the pillars of our agency and a major factor in our sustainability over the long term.  As our communities work together for the sake of Houston’s future, Vita-Living remains committed to doing its part for the sake of those most vulnerable.

Heart-Healthy Meals

Vita-Living has contracted with David Alcorta Catering to provide custom meals for our clients at our Activity Center and our group homes.  These recipes were all designed by a dietician who considered the nutritional needs of our clients.  Each menu is heart-healthy and considers diabetic and pre-diabetic requirements and prepared to those requirements.

Monday through Friday, Vita-Living staff picks up that day’s lunch from the caterer, then delivers it hot to the Activity Center where it is served.  Then, throughout the week, prepared dinners are delivered to each group home, where the meals are reheated and served each evening.

David Alcorta Catering at Vita Living

With this program, several of our clients who are overweight have been able to lose weight.  Other clients, who struggle with eating, have gained weight, due to the improved quality of the food. We are grateful for the community support that allows Vita-Living to provide this enhanced nutritional service.

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