ThisWeek CW 07/31/2014
http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2014/07/28/grant-funds-senior-transport-expansion.html
Canal Winchester senior citizens have another option for getting around town, thanks to a $37,000 grant that provided the Senior Transportation Program with a new handicapped-accessible minivan.
The Senior Transportation Program of Canal Winchester Human Services added the minivan to its fleet in June, after receiving federal grant funds last year through an Ohio Department of Transportation-administered program.
Jeff Wyler Chevrolet had been loaning the Senior Transportation Program a standard minivan for the past year while the organization awaited delivery on the new vehicle.
Human Services administrator Penny Miller said the minivan will help make the program even more efficient in its service to senior citizens.
“Wyler Chevrolet has been a great partner, loaning a regular minivan for our use while we waited nearly a year to receive the new handicapped vehicle,” she said.
According to Miller, senior citizens age 60 and older who live within the Canal Winchester Local School District can make an appointment with the Senior Transportation Program, which operates Monday through Friday.
“While medical appointments are always the first priority, transportation for personal appointments are also accommodated as the schedule permits,” Miller said.
Canal Winchester Human Services also provides group transportation for shopping and groceries, which includes trips to the Community Food Pantry. When possible, it offers vehicles to the Canal Winchester Senior Citizens Club for its volleyball team, weekly meals and monthly luncheons.
“Twice each month, social trips are available to all members of the Canal Winchester Senior Citizens Club to encourage socialization and fun,” Miller said. “It would not be possible to provide the Senior Transportation Program as a benefit to the community if it were not for the grant funding that is received.”
Miller said the city of Canal Winchester provides “significant support which allows us the ability to operate multiple routes on a regular schedule as needed each day.”
Other partners include the Franklin County Office on Aging and Meals on Wheels — Older Adult Alternatives of Fairfield County, which provide funding through their respective Senior Options tax levies, and Madison Township, which supplies gasoline for the vehicles.
For more information or to sign up for services, call 614-834-4700 or email penny.cwhs@gmail.com.