All the Best to Kevin McNulty

All the best to Kevin McNulty.

After 26 years at Meals on Wheels West, one of their brightest stars, Chief Administrative Officer Kevin McNulty, has retired. We interviewed him about his reflections. 

Deborah: What will you most remember about your Meals on Wheels West experience? 

Kevin: “First and foremost, everybody has a story! The visits with our meal recipients and the memories shared are amazing. Behind those closed doors and windows along any street is a wealth of lives well-lived. The stories of everyday folks, war veterans, inventors, artists of all disciplines, among others are hidden away, home alone and hungry. The pearls of wisdom and, of course, laughter that is shared by our aging population is a treasure to behold. My actual experience of  their social-emotional well-being, delivering the meals to our home-bound neighbors, and the interaction with them and with the volunteers was an eye-opener for me. The joy and compassion received and given on the part of our amazing aging population, and the volunteers of Meals on Wheels West was beyond imagination.”

Deborah: What led you to begin working at Meals on Wheels West? 

Kevin: “Upon a visit with my family in Santa Monica, I discovered that they required health and wellness assistance. I realized that I was beginning a personal path as a caregiver. Instead of continuing my career in the Real Estate Development and Management industry which required travel, I focused on re-establishing myself locally, both personally and professionally, to care for my family.” Being a “temp”allowed me the flexibility to be available to provide the care they required. One of the temp assignments was Meals on Wheels West. In 1998, a permanent position was offered to me and I accepted.”

Deborah: And, what’s next on your agenda?

Kevin: “What's next is to apply the tips of self-care that I have gleaned over the years, take a breath, and reaffirm my joy of living. No need for world travel at this time. I will enjoy riding my bicycle along the edge of the continent, relax, and be in the moment.”

Kevin McNulty, center, is surrounded by some of the staff at the Meals on Wheels Santa Monica office. From left Emma Eastman, Angel Howe, Kevin, and Anun Myagmardavaa.

By Deborah Gray