04-30-07 Item 7D, Care-A-Van Funding Request

Home Browse Search

'fEflR1:~c:;8yY~Etf0::(;~;:~ A V'a;;][a-c~gjo~ild:~o.c .. CARE-A-V AN Transportation Service The need for senior transportation was originally brought to the Community Education Department's attention by Norma Peterson, a cook for the senior citizens Congregate Dining Program in 1984_ Being a member of the New Brighton Eagles Aerie Auxiliary #3718, she helped convince them that this would be a wonderful undertaking for their organization. With their help and a grant, the first vehicle was purchased in 1985. The purpose of the Care-A- Van is to promote an independent lifestyle and a feeling of self- sufficiency for our elderly population residing in the cities of New Brighton, Mounds View, Shoreview and Arden Hills. During most years in service, the Care-A. Van has made approximately 950 round trips annually to medical appointments. grocery stores_ and beauty shops. A nominal donation is requested when traveling within the school district and slightly higher donation when traveling out of the area_ Weare now on our third and fourth vehicles. A 1998 Ford passenger van is equipped with a raised roof, mnning boards and special handrails for easier access. This vehicle has 142,940 miles and a 1994 Dodge/with lift that has 79,169 miles. As these vehicles get older, more maintenance and repairs are needed. As the senior population grows so does the need for transportation_ Every year, the New Brighton Eagles Aerie and Auxiliary #3718 holds a Care-A. Van Benefit in the spring which helps raise operational funds to that goes towards keeping the vehicle in operation. The Benefit is raising fewer dollars each year. This past summer, the Care-A- V an service was reduced to three days a week in an effort to reduce operating costs_ The Community Education Department is at the point of seriously studying how to keep the service going or disbanding it. We feel that the potential loss of this service will greatly impact our older population now and in the future.