Susan Ashworth calls into WKBK’s Good Morning with Dan Mitchell on her last day at HCS

During the heartfelt interview, Ashworth spoke about her longtime commitment to the Meals on Wheels program, which she helped expand from a small initiative into a critical service delivering 330 meals daily—totaling 98,000 annually—to older adults and individuals with disabilities across Cheshire County. She emphasized the program’s importance, not only in providing nutrition but also as a vital social connection for many recipients.

HCS, a nonprofit organization serving more than 2,000 people in 52 communities, offers a variety of essential services beyond Meals on Wheels, including public transportation through the Friendly Bus and Friendly Express, hospice care, home nursing programs, and senior advocacy. As HCS’s Director of Community Relations, Ashworth has played a key role in overseeing these programs, ensuring they remain accessible to those in need.

During her conversation with Mitchell, Ashworth acknowledged the challenges facing Meals on Wheels, including stagnant state funding, the looming threat of budget cuts, and uncertainty surrounding federal support following the restructuring of the Administration for Community Living. Despite these concerns, she expressed confidence in the community’s ongoing support.

Mitchell praised Ashworth’s decades of service, recognizing her as a cornerstone of local efforts to help older adults maintain their independence and well-being. While today marks her official retirement, Ashworth made it clear that she isn’t stepping away from advocacy. “I’m not leaving the community. I’m still going to be around and I’m certainly still going to be an advocate for programs for older adults, particularly Meals on Wheels and transportation,” she said.

Listen to the full interview: