Meet Cleve and his wife Terry! Cleve has a long history with Nourish Meals on Wheels that began with his mother Carolyn McKinney. In 1976, Cleve’s mother delivered meals with our very own founder, Virginia C. Baker!
Years later, Cleve started to deliver meals with Nourish. This time, it was with his best friend from Kiwanis, Jerry Derr. When Jerry passed away unexpectedly, Cleve decided to continue delivering meals for six more months in Jerry’s honor. Cleve’s wife, Terry, joined him and those six months have turned into six years and counting.
Reflecting on their time with Nourish, Cleve remarks, “You soon realize how much you mean to the clients, and even more, how much they mean to you.” He continues, “You walk away from the door and think, ‘I’m the lucky one.’” Terry describes their commitment to Nourish Meals on Wheels as “the most important thing we do.”
Among the many clients they encounter, Cleve laughs and talks about Ellen, a 95-year-old known for her sharp poker playing skills. Every Wednesday, Ellen gathers with her poker crew for a game of Texas Hold’em. Cleve quickly dubbed her “Aces with a Kicker,” a nickname that never fails to bring a smile to Ellen's face.
Cleve says there are clients “who take their food with a brief thank you and then those who you know you just need to shut off the engine because they need the companionship and connection.”
Cleve and Terry, we are so thankful to have you as a part of Nourish Meals on Wheels.