FAQ
Meals on Wheels (MOW)
Who is eligible for the MOW program?
Orange County residents who are 60 years and older who struggle to prepare nutritious meals.
What kind of meals does MOW serve?
Hot, chilled or frozen meals are provided depending on where the clients live. Meals are delivered directly to the client’s home.
Do clients pay for the meals?
Clients do not pay for the meals. There is an option for individuals to pay privately.
How do I get on the program?
The first step is to call the Information Specialist at 407-292-0177 ext. 224 who will take your referral information.
How do you qualify for Emergency Meals on Wheels?
Call the Information Specialist at 407-292-0177 within 30 days of a hospital discharge or other crisis situation.
Neighborhood Lunch Program
How do I join the Neighborhood Lunch Program?
Call our office at 407-292-0177 or visit the Neighborhood Lunch Program site in your area.
Who is eligible to join the program?
The program is open to Orange County residents, 60 years of age or older.
Is transportation provided?
Transportation is provided to select Neighborhood Lunch Program sites based on capacity and availability. We do not provide transportation to doctor appointments – contact Access Lynx at 407 841-5969 for more.
How many days is the program operated?
Our Neighborhood Lunch Program sites are open up to 5 days a week depending on location, please contact our office for details by calling 407-292-0177.
What is the cost to join the program?
Program meals and activities are provided at no cost.
In-home Care
What programs are covered under In-Home Care?
Community Care for the Elderly (CCE) and Home Care for the Elderly (HCE) programs.
What services do you offer under the CCE and HCE Programs?
CCE program-eligible clients may receive a range of services including companionship, homemaking, personal care, respite for caregivers, and other services. HCE program-eligible clients may receive a basic subsidy of $160 in addition to incontinence supplies and other services to help maintain the individual at home.
Who is eligible for these programs and where are they available?
Seniors 60 years of age and older are eligible. Seniors First offers CCE and HCE in Orange, Seminole, and Polk Counties. In addition, Seniors First offers Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI) in Polk County only. For additional eligibility requirements, contact Senior Resource Alliance in Orange and Seminole Counties and the Senior Connection Center in Polk County.
How do I apply for the In-Home Care programs?
Contact Senior Resource Alliance in Orange and Seminole Counties and the Senior Connection Center in Polk County.
Is there a fee for these services and do you accept health insurance?
A co-pay for services is determined based on income. Insurance is not accepted.
Community Food Pantry
Do we need any special documents to be able to request food?
The pantry is free and open to anyone in need. There is no application or qualifying process.
When is the pantry open?
The pantry is open the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 9 am-11 am at the Seniors First offices: 5395 L.B. McLeod Rd. Orlando, 32811. Please call for holiday dates and times.
Can I pick and choose the items I want?
All distributions are pre-packaged, approximately 15 lbs., and similar in content.
How can I donate to the pantry?
Monetary donations can be made here. For donation drives, please view our needs list here.
Stepping Stone Medical Equipment Bank
Do you take insurance?
No, we do not take insurance.
Do you accept and/or pick up donations?
Donations can be dropped off Monday-Friday from 8 am-3 pm at 3711 Vineland Road, Orlando. We will do pick-ups except for hospital beds and Hoyer lifts.
Do you deliver?
We do deliver on select items. Please call for details.
What type of payment do you accept?
Cash or checks are accepted for all purchases.
Do you have any power equipment?
Yes, we have power chairs and scooters.
Guardianship Program
How do I apply and register for the guardianship class?
Family guardians register and pay via the www.seniorsfirstinc.org website.
Will I receive the Zoom link for the guardianship class once I register and pay?
No, you will receive a payment confirmation receipt immediately after payment. The Zoom link is sent out one week before the class date to the email address provided at registration.
What is the cost of taking the guardianship class?
The cost of the class is $100 for one person and $150 for two people taking the class on the same date and applying to be guardians for the same person.
Do I have to attend both the morning and afternoon portions of the guardianship class?
Yes, you must attend both portions of the class unless specified by your attorney in writing.
Will I be able to record the class or receive the PowerPoint slides?
No, recording of the class and access to the slides is not permitted. A user manual is provided by email in English and Spanish.
Seniors First Volunteer Program
What are the requirements to volunteer and how do I get started?
Volunteers must be 18 years or older or, if under 18, must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Volunteers must submit a volunteer application at www.seniorsfirstinc.org and pass a background check. You will be contacted via phone or email on the next steps for orientation and training.
Are there specific requirements for volunteers delivering Meals on Wheels?
Volunteers delivering Meals on Wheels must have their own vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and proof of auto insurance.
Do you accept court-order volunteers?
No, we do not accept volunteers who are court-ordered.
Is there a time commitment to volunteer?
We ask for a commitment of once per week for a minimum of 2 hours and commit to 3 months of service for most volunteer opportunities.
What is the schedule for the volunteer programs?
Our programs operate Monday through Friday from 9 am and 4 pm. Meal delivery begins between 9 am and 10 am and lasts about an hour or two. All other volunteer programs can be scheduled between 9 am and 4 pm — are also 2-hour shifts. We have no evening or weekend volunteer assignments.