ThisWeek CW 07/09/2015
http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/07/06/human-services-senior-transport-program-adds-second-minivan.html
Canal Winchester Human Services has added a second handicap-accessible minivan to its fleet of senior citizen transportation vehicles, thanks to a federal grant.
The senior transportation program received the grant through the Ohio Department of Transportation.
The grant for $37,000 is the second of that size given toCanal Winchester Human Services. In 2014, the program received a $37,000 grant to purchase its first handicap-accessible minivan; this second vehicle will make the service more efficient, Human Services Administrator Penny Miller said.
“Many people do not realize that public transportation is not readily available to the elderly living in the Canal Winchester school district,” Miller said. “COTA bus service is geared to working people going into Columbus in the morning and back in the evening, and taxi service is not affordable for the elderly.
“Without the appointment-based transportation that we provide, many senior citizens would be limited in their daily mobility and some would lose their independence, being forced to move in with family or into assisted living.”
Daily transportation is available Monday through Friday to all Canal Winchester school district residents age 60 or older. The program also provides group transportation, including weekly trips to the grocery store, the food pantry and to the Tuesday senior lunch held at the Frances Steube Community Center.
“Our seniors are a fun bunch when they take advantage of the social trips we are able to offer,” Miller said. “I’m so happy that we have the opportunity to provide transportation that allows senior citizens to have a good time and be with friends.
“Our upcoming summer schedule includes a trip to Picnic with the Pops, shopping at Easton and the Ohio State Fair, to name a few,” she added.
Miller said funding for the senior transportation program is provided by a combination of private donations and through several grant programs provided by Canal Winchester, Madison Township and senior tax levies of offices on aging in both Fairfield and Franklin counties.
“We’re also fortunate to receive grant funding specifically earmarked to provide social outings to help keep senior citizens active and engaged,” Miller said. “To participate, you only need to join the city’s Senior Citizen Club and the fun is neverending.
“Frequently, when we are out and about, people will stop and ask how they can join us because we seem to have so much fun,” she said. “Canal Winchester Human Services is pleased to serve our community in this way, assuring that senior citizens can get where they need to go.”
More information about the senior transportation program, Senior Citizen Club and how to sign up for services is available by calling 614-834-4700 or by emailing penny.cwhs@gmail.com.