At United Way Meals on Wheels, each delivery is an investment in the dignity, independence and well-being of our aging neighbors in Jefferson County, all of whom have given much to their communities in their own way through the years. For Anderson and Bernice Mahan, the service provided by Meals on Wheels has added stability during some of life’s most challenging times.
The Mahans live in Birmingham’s Oak Ridge neighborhood in a red-brick home that Anderson, a contractor by profession, built himself. It’s surrounded by a garden where they grow blackberries and find peace. Together, he and Bernice have raised 12 children and fostered more than 30 others.
Their lives have been shaped by faith, family and service – and Bernice’s commitment to service began early. As a student at Miles College during the Civil Rights Movement, she volunteered in voter registration drives and learned the power of collective action.
“People are people, and God created this whole world. We have to love everybody,” she said.
In 1986, Bernice, in addition to teaching, opened a ministry to help meet local needs — continuing the couple’s dedication to human service and giving back to the community.
Facing Life’s Unexpected Challenges
Fast-forward to 2002: Anderson suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed and reliant on a wheelchair. Bernice suddenly found herself balancing the demands of the classroom as well as caregiving and pastoring.
“After he had that stroke, I was still pastoring a church, teaching school and taking care of wife duties [as a caregiver],” Bernice said. “It got to be overwhelming. I had to do it all. So many things went undone, but I just couldn’t. I’m only human.”
Finding Support Through Meals on Wheels
With limited income and increasing responsibilities, Bernice looked for help and learned about Meals on Wheels. The program has now been part of their lives for more than two decades.
“It was another Godsend,” she said. “It has been a blessing to us.”
Volunteers deliver meals to the Mahans five days a week, helping them stay healthy and self-sufficient. “It has really helped; when it’s time to eat, we have something to eat and they [make sure] to give us an extra box [of food] for the days they can’t deliver,” Bernice said.
Even as they receive support, the Mahans continue to help others. They recently introduced a local family (who they helped get off the streets and into a home in their neighborhood) to the Meals on Wheels program.
How You Can Make a Difference
For Meals on Wheels, neighbors such as the Mahans are a reminder of why this work matters. Each delivery helps reduce isolation, supports those who have dedicated their lives to serving others and allows them to continue living with dignity in their own homes and connection to the broader community.
You can help Meals on Wheels support more homebound seniors and people with disabilities right here in Jefferson County by clicking here.
This blog was adapted from an article that originally appeared in Meals on Wheels of America’s “We Built This Life In Service Of You.”