Lisa Segler, who was working on her master’s thesis and evaluating the senior citizens’ program at a local board, spoke to a woman who had only eaten half a piece of toast and some applesauce all day.
“Your story wasn’t even the worst I’ve heard,” said Segler. “That experience changed me forever.”
Segler returned to the Tafel years later after a generous donation enabled Three Square to create a division dedicated to the food insecurity of the aging population and became director of strategic initiatives.
Three Square’s senior hunger programs, under Sailor’s direction, include communal meals and communal meals to promote socialization, nutrition education, and transportation such as free Lyft rides and bus passes.
How has the pandemic affected Three Square?
Few, if any, communities have been hit harder by the devastating economic effects of COVID-19 than Las Vegas. With unemployment at an all-time high, food insecurity rose to record levels. At the height of the pandemic, 1 in 5 southern Nevada, including 1 in 3 children, was starving. In mid-March 2020, Three Square implemented a disaster preparedness plan to respond to sudden school and business closings, drastic declines in retail food donations, social distancing in volunteer efforts, reduced staff support, and the need for low-contact food distributions. Our staff, volunteers and agency partners continue to work on the front lines to ensure our neighbors have the food they need during a very difficult time, but our work is far from done. Three Square has seen a slight downward trend in the numbers, but food insecurity in southern Nevada is still higher than it was before the pandemic, and any number greater than zero is too high. The continued support from our community has been incredible, and we are grateful for every dollar donated and hour worked.
Tell us about a Three Square success story that you are particularly proud of.
The creation of our new senior-oriented program, Golden Groceries. It is a customer choice model that enables those 60 and above to choose healthy foods based on their preferences, medical conditions, etc. To enable this unique customer choice model, we have created a website dedicated to providing a dignified and simple online shopping experience for pickup or delivery. Younger seniors are tech savvy, and I knew we needed to evolve with the rapidly growing senior population. Since the beginning of this program, the number of participating seniors has increased by 1,160%.
If someone wants to help, visit threesquare.org to learn more about ways to donate money – one dollar is three meals -, volunteer to pack grocery bags for seniors, or learn how you can help someone out You know. Together we can end the hunger for seniors in our community.
What’s the biggest misconception you hear about those who use the blackboards?
Why haven’t seniors made better financial decisions in their lifetime? Many did. You worked for a company, earned a pension, and the company went under. Or they used all of their savings for medical bills. Or a spouse died unexpectedly. Housing costs continue to rise too, but their social security checks do not. It is unrealistic to believe that seniors in our community can survive on $ 700 a month. That’s why our programs exist like Golden Groceries. Every dollar is important when you have a steady income.
What’s the best business advice you’ve received?
My father always reminds me to put my co-workers first. This is especially true in our industry due to a higher risk of burnout. I do my best to take care of them so that they can take care of others.
If you could change anything about Southern Nevada, what would it be?
The culture around aging. Can you imagine turning 60 and no longer relevant? Your whole life experience, your degrees, etc. no longer matter. We treat the aging population as if they are disposable, but we should treat these people as if they are invaluable because they are. You literally paved the way to create the beautiful church we live in. Southern Nevada is a huge retirement capital, and its rapidly growing population will determine how our city works. Aging is a privilege and changing that culture begins with all of us.
What are you reading? Or binge watching?
I watch “Top Chef – Portland”. I’m from Oregon and graduated from Portland so I love seeing the fun and familiar places they go through their crazy food challenges.
What is your dream job, outside of your current area? Why?
Entrepreneur; I always dream of my endless business ideas. Everything from owning a small, local wine bar to developing solutions that help seniors get back on the workforce through innovation and technology. I couldn’t create a more perfect role than I do now, however, and I’m so happy to say that.
If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
I would be a better cook at home. I love to cook, but I want to take classes, learn about food science, and get out of the rut of cycling by following the same 20 recipes that I make all the time.
What may people not know about you?
My 1 year old daughter is a better dancer than me.
