Autumn Ford is WNA’s newest Coalition Coordinator – she primarily supports Meals on Wheels Texas. She’s been on the job a few months so we sat down to ask her what her experience has been like so far.

What is your favorite part of working at WNA so far?
Working with a group of women that all seem to be really engaged in what they’re doing. I also really like working with Meals on Wheels – it seems like when I tell friends and family that I’m supporting Meals on Wheels programs everyone has a story about how a Meals on Wheels program has positively impacted the life of someone they love.

What has most surprised you about working at WNA?
Kelley Abell having her baby a little early! We were supposed to meet a bunch the week she had her baby. But she was super organized and left a lot of templates so it ended up being fine.

What questions are arising for you about our work?
Meals on Wheels Texas is at an interesting intersection right now – they are currently reassessing their vision and mission. It’s exciting to listen in on their discussions. I hear them asking what do they want to do and how does it align with their vision, and how has that changed over time? We’re approaching these conversations in an incremental way – taking bite sized pieces in each meeting – which is an interesting approach to revising mission and vision statements.

What are you most interested in continuing to learn about our work?
I’m excited to experience the next legislative session. MOWTX is currently working on their legislative agenda for 2023 and I’m excited to support the members with their goals for the session, such as increasing meal reimbursement rates and planning for covid relief funding going away.

Note to Autumn: your calm and reflective spirit is such an asset to the coalition team, we’re so glad you’re here!