HANCOCK — Copper Shores Community Health Foundation announced that Jessica Mills is the new Meals on Wheels program director. According to a Copper Shores press release, Mills has the unique distinction of being the only person to have met every current Meals on Wheels participant, and will bring “bringing compassion and a keen understanding of senior needs to the role.”

Rebecca Crane, Copper Shores senior program director said, “Jessica has been at the heart of the program for a long time. Even though she’s learning new things, she already has a strong understanding of the clients, their needs and how to move the program forward.”

Mills has served as the Meals on Wheels assessor for the past four years, meeting individually with every potential new client. Through these assessments, she learned not only about participants’ nutritional needs, but also about their living situations, support systems and challenges. Copper Shores says this experience has given her a comprehensive understanding of local seniors’ needs beyond food delivery, helping them maintain independence and quality of life. As the program director, Mills will bring those insights into every decision, ensuring that Copper Shores is always serving the senior community as effectively and equitably as possible.

Mills said she wants to further strengthen the programs trust within the community. “I hope to do more outreach, and help people better understand the needs of our growing senior population.”

According to the press release, in preparation of Houghton County Elder Nutrition Millage funds becoming available in this spring, Mills is already developing plans to expand Meals on Wheels throughout Houghton County, including new Meet & Eat sites and extended home-delivery routes.

Meet & Eat, family-style meals for seniors who can still leave home independently, represent an early step in Copper Shores’ broader Meals on Wheels expansion. These gatherings make use of existing community spaces while raising their visibility and, most importantly, bringing seniors together for vital socialization and connection.

“I have always loved working with seniors,” Mills said. “I’m excited to expand the program and bring a sense of connection to seniors across the community.”

Mills has been working closely with outgoing Program Director Kathleen Harter to understand the position’s duties and responsibilities, helping ensure a smooth transition of leadership for participants and staff alike. This level of preparation and continuity is especially crucial for a program that serves some of the community’s most vulnerable residents.

“It’s such an important and sensitive role that she’s going to have to play,” Crane said. “We are very fortunate to have someone with the skills and knowledge that she already has, ready to step into the role at such a critical time.”

Learn more about the Meals on Wheels program by visiting coppershores.org.