We are proud to announce that VIC-Valley InterCommunity Council officially hit the 1,000,000 mark for senior meals home-delivered since the beginning of the pandemic—from mid-March 2020 to mid-April 2021.
"We're amazed to hit the mark of 1,000,000 meals served. These meals have sustained thousands of vulnerable seniors during the pandemic, who've been homebound and isolated due to a disability or fear," said Beverly Ventriss, VIC President and CEO. "With variants of the virus now in Los Angeles and officials advising to maintain precautions, seniors may want to stay in their homes even after receiving vaccinations," Ventriss added.
VIC's four Senior Centers in Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Pacoima and Northridge assisted seniors in receiving vaccinations—in partnership with Councilmembers, Northridge Hospital and the Los Angeles Fire Department, which provided on-site vaccinations at VIC's Alicia Broadous Duncan Multipurpose Senior Center in Pacoima.
VIC Senior Centers have been closed to the public since the pandemic began, but VIC's services were designated as essential to provide home-delivered meals and other emergency services to seniors. Pivoting quickly, VIC was able to expand its meal program with assistance from grants in partnership with the Mayor's Office, Los Angeles Department of Aging, State and others including partnerships with local schools—initiated by Assemblyman Adrin Nazarian—to provide more food. Students prepared essential item kits for seniors, wrote notes, created Valentines, and an 11-year-old boy composed and decorated over 100 St. Patrick's Day letters for homebound seniors—a true intergenerational effort.
During the pandemic VIC also began the Take a Moment... to Give a Moment campaign in honor of Sgt. Murphy, a veteran who played his harmonica for the driver who brought him his meal each morning. He knew the driver wasn't able to stay very long. "Take a moment to give a moment," Sgt. Murphy would say, so he could share his music if only for a few minutes. During the pandemic and now, VIC drivers and case managers spend extra "moments" when working with a homebound senior, knowing how impactful these extra moments can mean to someone suffering from isolation, loneliness or depression.
VIC started in 1964 over a fair housing issue in the San Fernando Valley, and is well-known for assisting seniors, caregivers and families with an array of social programs and services. VIC operates four Senior Centers and 15 separate dining sites. To implement our mission, we provide a path to enriching lives and strengthening diverse communities through inclusion and social justice. Although our Senior Centers have been closed to the public due to COVID-19, VIC continues to provide essential services including an expanded meal program, case management and transportation.
We were awarded BEST 2020 Nonprofit by the readers of the Daily News for a fifth consecutive year, and selected as a 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year, nominated by Valley Assemblymember Nazarian. VIC works in partnership with the City and County of Los Angeles, and in collaboration with other nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders.
VIC is an integrated community that promotes health, wellness, and quality of life for seniors, their caregivers, and their families. Every day we fight hunger by delivering nutritious meals to seniors. With 10,000 "Boomers" turning 65 every day for the next 9 years, the need for meaningful connections and supportive services is greater than ever. That's where VIC steps in to lend a helping hand with various programs and social engagement designed to keep seniors healthy, happy and a vital part of the community.
In keeping administrative costs below 3%, we are proud to have earned your trust in providing critical programs and services to seniors. Our humble nonprofit makes a major impact in our community—your community. We have become regarded as one of the most dynamic organizations helping to fight hunger and provide for those in need while bringing diverse communities together. Without VIC, it would not be possible for many seniors to receive a daily meal plus the added support and resources that are so essential to overall wellness.
Just a small donation of $30, $60 or $100 helps us deliver meals that feed hungry seniors with limited resources—during this time of the pandemic and beyond.
Become part of the solution to end hunger with a tax deductible donation.
Mission
TO CREATE POSITIVE CHANGE WITHIN COMMUNITIES IN THE
GREATER SAN FERNANDO VALLEY AS WE SERVE, SUPPORT AND ENGAGE
OTHERS THROUGH UNITY AND FAITH IN ACTION.
ENRICHING LIVES. STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES.
Impact
4
Multi-Purpose
Senior Centers
throughout
the Valley
Over 40,750
rides provided
to seniors in
2018
19
Dining
Locations
308,000+
meals served annually
VIC-Valley InterCommunity Council provides nutritionally balanced meals to mature adults, families, and individuals throughout the San Fernando Valley through various nutrition programs.
There is truly something for everyone, from those unable to prepare meals due to a recent hospital visit to homebound individuals, to adults looking for a social dining atmosphere.
VIC-Valley InterCommunity Council also provides transportation services, case management, health and wellness activities, social and recreational events and a Meals on Wheels service.
As our world changes, we are called to new and creative ways to express our values in the world, to respond to the sign of the times, and to make our services and programs even more relevant.
For VIC, these values represent inclusiveness, justice and respect for diversity. We are in the process of exploring new ways to expand the care that we provide to seniors and caregivers in our Adult Centers; new ways to creatively build the capacity of our senior centers so that they are able to provide services and programs to a changing generation of seniors; and new ways in which we can continue to build bridges within our community to foster peace, harmony and unity in these challenging times.
Formerly known as VIC-Valley Interfaith Council
The San Fernando Valley InterCommunity Council-VIC is a registered 501(c)3 California nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible (tax ID #: 95-2653387) We work in collaboration with the Los Angeles Department of Aging and the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.
1MM Meals Delivered in Response to COVID-19
Fighting Hunger in Your Community