Debra Pacos

After 11 years of leadership as the Executive Director of Dunkirk Fredonia Meals on Wheels, Debra Pacos has retired.

Each day Pacos greeted her Meal on Wheels team with sincere enthusiasm to serve each of the one hundred fifty senior citizens living in the communities of Northern Chautauqua County. She spent each afternoon preparing meals for clients who had special requests or special needs, and she fulfilled these requests with the warmest of hearts.

Under Pacos’ direction, Dunkirk Fredonia Meals on Wheels worked in close collaboration with the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services to serve seniors with a nutritious meal delivered by a trained volunteer. Pacos worked directly with the volunteers to adjust delivery schedules, quickly resolve any delivery issues, and always took time to honor the volunteers at the annual Dunkirk Fredonia Meals on Wheels Volunteer Recognition Banquet.

Pacos had to navigate many difficult challenges in her role including the issues presented by the COVID pandemic. As Meals on Wheels was an essential service for so many seniors, she selflessly and skillfully continued uninterrupted service while following the often-changing COVID guidelines to maintain safety for the volunteers and clients.

Dunkirk Fredonia Meals on Wheels Chairman of the Board of Directors Dan Lawrence commented, “It is difficult to say goodbye to our Executive Director, Debra Pacos. She has been the heart and soul of our organization for a very long time. She will be greatly missed by our volunteers, staff, and most importantly by our clients.”