On April 1, 2004, Meals on Wheels in Peterborough began a new chapter as the program officially became part of Community Care Peterborough. It was a seamless transition built on a shared mission—and a year of thoughtful planning between two strong, community-minded organizations.
At the time, Meals on Wheels had been serving the community for 40 years as a focused, independent agency. Under the steady leadership of Bernice Clark, who retired in September 2003 after 25 years of service, the program had grown into a well-respected cornerstone of care. But as client needs expanded, so too did the opportunity to serve them more holistically.
The Boards of Directors for both Meals on Wheels and Community Care Peterborough agreed on the merger in March 2003. Mark Roper, then-President of the Meals on Wheels Board, helped guide the year-long transition process. In September, a special “engagement party” was held to share the news with volunteers. In her address, Danielle Belair, CEO of Community Care Peterborough, described the merger as “an exciting and challenging venture that will provide even better service to clients of both agencies.”
That promise has been fulfilled. What began as 28,000 meals delivered in 2003 has grown to more than 50,000 meals annually, with expanded delivery throughout the County. The impact is clear: more clients reached, more lives touched.
Though the name changed, the heart of Meals on Wheels remains. Now part of a broader network of support, the program continues to nourish seniors and adults living with disabilities—while benefiting from the strength, reach, and collaborative care model of Community Care Peterborough.
Together, they’re doing more than delivering meals. They’re building on a legacy of service and ensuring its future.
