“I’ve been able to watch Allison interact with our clients on a daily basis as a driver,” newly appointed Meals on Wheels Program Director Jessica Mills said. “She’s kind, has an understanding of the needs in our community and the struggles that seniors are facing every day.”
Stark is originally from southern California, and moved to the Copper Country in 2015 after visiting a roommate’s childhood home in Tapiola and falling in love with the area. In her free time, Stark can be found enjoying the natural beauty of the Copper Country or relaxing with her family. Now as a full-time employee, Stark looks forward to onboarding more seniors and connecting them with vital community resources.
“I definitely feel like I have the gift of help,” said Stark. “As a driver, I actually had to rein that instinct in.”
While her time as a driver required her to focus on delivery schedules and brief check-ins, her passion for service consistently showed through in the care she brought to each interaction. That same instinct now finds a fuller expression in her new role, where she can offer more meaningful support to seniors and serve as a warm, reassuring presence as Meals on Wheels continues to grow.
“As the assessor, I’m excited to connect people with tools that can truly help them,” said Stark. “Going beyond the wellness checks I provided in the short time I had with each senior.”
In recent months, Meals on Wheels has been preparing to bring on more clients, made possible by the onset of Elder Nutrition Millage funds in the spring of 2026. Working alongside Mills, the previous assessor, Stark has been busy familiarizing herself with the assessment process and intake procedures for new clients.
“In some ways she was already doing the role of assessor as the driver,” said Mills. “She was already meeting with clients, communicating with them and listening to their needs. Now it’s simply a matter of transferring those people skills to the assessor process and getting the paperwork done.”
As preparations continue to make Meals on Wheels available to all Houghton County seniors in need, Copper Shores is grateful for dedicated and compassionate team members like Stark. Her compassion, energy and dedication strengthen the program and ensure seniors feel supported, welcomed and valued.