Meals on Wheels Turns 45, Founder Turns 100

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH– A ninja, representing experience, authority and endeavor, covered a large video screen at Newburgh’s Powelton Club. Its symbolism ran deep, standing for the woman of the afternoon, Ms. Frederica Warner, the founder of Meals on Wheels Greater Newburgh.

On the brink of her 100th birthday (on December 14, 2017), Warner was all smiles, as she took part in the event, also a tribute to her all-volunteer Organization’s 45th Anniversary. The founder and Executive Director Emeritus of Meals on Wheels Greater Newburgh, Warner has displayed those Ninja attributes since age 10, when she joined Girl Scout Troop 7, sponsored by the AME Zion Church in Newburgh. It was here where she learned the critical potency of helping others while becoming actively involved in her community. The lifelong Newburgh resident, has groomed that altruistic spirit for the last 90 years, earning her a distinction of a living legend for her countless volunteer efforts, changing thousands of lives for the better.

Pat Claiborne, from Warner’s very first Meals on Wheels class of volunteers, was on hand at the event. Knowing Warner since 1972, Claiborne talked about her strong work ethic and no-nonsense leadership style, qualities that continue to leave a lasting mark. Turning to her long-time friend, she spoke from the heart.

“Frederica, we definitely feel this is an inspirational time,” said Claiborne. “I remember meeting with her and feeling like I was a member of the family, really feel a closeness to her.” She added, “You are resourceful, fiesty and passionate, a true leader who always gets things done.”

It was that determined flair that enabled Warner to start one of the area’s most integral and needed volunteer programs, Meals on Wheels Greater Newburgh. A community-based, grassroots organization, it has delivered over half a million healthy, freshly-made meals to residents in Newburgh and New Windsor since 1972. Not only do these meals create sustenance, they provide priceless love and support (flowers given on birthdays) as well as a vehicle for recipients to remain in their homes, preserving their independence and dignity.

Although those who can afford the meals pay for them, that only covers half of the cost; the remaining needed monies come from donations as well as generous people and businesses.

Truly a community effort, Meals on Wheels Greater Newburgh, symbolizes the same remarkable qualities that the very woman who initiated it possesses. In fact, Warner has made such a lasting imprint on the City of Newburgh, a street was recently named in her honor. On August 25, 2017, the part of Roe Street, where she resided for many years, was renamed “Frederica Warner Way.” As with that recognition, Sunday’s was deeply felt by the highly grateful Warner.

“Today means just so very much to me,” said Warner. “All in all, it has been a great event, really so very well put together and something that will be so memorable; we all are neighbors and friends here, and that makes me so happy.”

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