Community Action debuts new van in Christmas parade

[May 10, 2011]  On Nov. 10, Community Action staff members drove to Kankakee to pick up a new wheelchair-accessible vehicle from the Illinois Department of Transportation. A 2010 Dodge Braun van joined the fleet of vehicles that transport seniors in both Logan and Mason County. Each year, the Community Action Senior Transportation program provides over 11,000 rides to elderly and disabled individuals.

This vehicle has all the newest technologies available to provide the safest transport possible of individuals in wheelchairs. The vehicle and its modifications would have cost the agency $34,038 if it weren’t for IDOT’s support of the program. The program is funded with federal money and state general revenue funds. Community Action also receives partial funding from the Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland. However, Community Action must raise local dollars each year to maintain the level of services currently provided in Logan and Mason counties.

Seniors requiring rides to medical appointments and other necessary trips can call Community Action at 732-2159, ext. 240, to schedule a ride. Community Action accepts a suggested donation for the service.

"We’re so appreciative to IDOT for providing us this vehicle so we can continue our services," said Angie Jenkins, program director. "Over 80 percent of all the rides we provide are to important medical-related appointments, like dialysis treatments. By providing these services, seniors are able to stay independent and in their own homes longer."

Community Action is a nonprofit agency headquartered in Lincoln. The agency provides services to low-income and elderly residents in Fulton, Mason, Logan, Menard, DeWitt and Piatt counties. For more information visit www.capcil.org.

[Text from file received from Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois]