For many in Franklin and Patrick Counties, a familiar and friendly face has been a comforting presence each week. Betty West, a dedicated Meals on Wheels driver for STEP, Inc., has retired, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and community service.
Betty’s journey began long before she joined our team. “I was a kindergarten teacher for most of my career,” she reflects. After retiring from teaching, she felt a strong pull towards volunteer work, a passion she had previously explored with Habitat for Humanity in Altavista. Upon moving to the lake area, Betty looked toward Rocky Mount for new opportunities to give back.
Partnering with the Southern Area Agency on Aging (SAAA), STEP, Inc.’s Meals on Wheels program provides more than just food to homebound senior citizens in Franklin and Patrick Counties. Our staff and volunteers offer a friendly face, someone to chat with, and the comfort of knowing that someone cares. Betty embodied all these qualities and more.
“Once a week, I would deliver meals to the people on my assigned route,” Betty recalls. “That route has changed throughout the years depending on the needs.” Navigating these routes was not without its challenges. “The biggest challenge was finding newly assigned homes and determining their needs,” she admits. However, Betty’s determination and heart for service made her an exceptional volunteer.
Through her years of service, Betty formed close relationships with many of the individuals she delivered meals to. “I have had close relationships with many that we served, and I do miss checking in with them every week,” she says wistfully. These bonds, built over countless meals and conversations, were what made her time with Meals on Wheels so special. Saying goodbye on her last delivery day was not easy. “It was hard to tell them goodbye on my last delivery day,” Betty shares, her voice tinged with emotion.
Betty West’s retirement marks the end of an era for many on her route, but her legacy will continue to inspire both the staff and volunteers at STEP, Inc. Her commitment to serving others has made a significant impact on the community, embodying the spirit of our mission.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Betty for her years of dedicated service. Her kindness, reliability, and warmth have made a lasting impression on everyone she has met. As we bid her farewell, we celebrate the difference she has made and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
If you’re inspired by Betty’s story and would like to make a difference in your community, consider joining us as a volunteer. Together, we can continue to provide not just meals, but also companionship and care to those who need it most.