How WCCA Came to Be: A Legacy of Caring for Wise County’s Seniors

In 1979, a simple but powerful idea took root in Wise County, Texas - that no senior in our community should have to choose between a warm meal and their independence. From that idea, the Wise County Committee on Aging (WCCA) was born.

Back then, a small group of concerned citizens saw firsthand the growing need to care for older adults who were living alone, many on fixed incomes, often without family nearby. They believed that our seniors - the ones who built our towns, raised families here, and laid the foundation for the communities we enjoy today - deserved to age with dignity and connection.

What started with a handful of volunteers and donated kitchens has grown into an essential local organization serving hundreds of seniors each year. Our Meals on Wheels and congregate program alone delivers over 60,000 hot meals annually to seniors across Decatur, Bridgeport, Chico, and surrounding areas. But it’s never just about the meal - it’s about the knock on the door, the friendly face, the daily check-in that helps our neighbors feel remembered and cared for.

Over the years, we’ve expanded to offer not only home-delivered meals but also social activities, wellness checks, and community gatherings through our OWLS Activity Center - a place where seniors can come together to share a meal, play a game of bingo or cards, and build friendships that fight the loneliness so many older adults face.

Through it all, our mission remains the same: to support the seniors of Wise County so they can live safely and independently in the homes and communities they love. We couldn’t do this without our volunteers, donors, local partners, and supporters who believe in our work and show up time and again with their time, energy, and generosity.

From 1979 to today - and for decades to come - WCCA stands as a testament to what’s possible when a community comes together for its own. Thank you for being part of our story.

If you’d like to learn more, volunteer, or help us continue this mission, visit us at https://www.mealsonwheelswisecounty.org/ or stop by the office at 300 N Trinity St. Suite A Decatur, TX 76234. We’d love to meet you!

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