Ally Rides: Bridging the Gap in Medical Transportation Across Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto Counties

You may have first experienced our nonprofit organization as a provider of paratransit services to the elderly and people with temporary or permanent disabilities. Or perhaps you became familiar with Via without even knowing who we are as you rode on the City of Boulder HOP bus route. This service has been operated and maintained by Via since 1994. Initially envisioned by the City and Via, the route makes it possible to get from the University of Colorado campus to the historic Pearl Street shopping district, and the 29th Street shopping and entertainment area without getting into a car. Via has also operated FlexRide, formerly Call-n-Ride, and Access-a-Ride services for RTD for many years. We also operate well-loved commuter micro transit routes such as the Lyons Flyer, HOP to Chautauqua, RideFree Lafayette, and the Omnibus for the City of Littleton. While initially headquartered and focused in Boulder County, Via has grown into Broomfield, Larimer, Weld Counties, and in 2020, on short notice, we took over from a Wheat Ridge based nonprofit that provided services to the mobility handicapped throughout the Denver metro area that had decided to end its paratransit service. This brought Vias signature door-through-door service to the four-county Denver area. When local government contracts with Via for shuttles or other public transit, there are several unique benefits that we provide at no additional cost.These include:1. REINVESTMENT IN COMMUNITY PARATRANSITVia directs the earned income from our contracts into affordable paratransit services for that community. This revenue, combined with other funding, is used to leverage additional federal and state grants, vastly increasing the services provided to our communities. This is unique to Via, as no other service provider reinvests its earned income to increase and expand necessary mobility services to our most vulnerable community members.2. PUBLIC DOLLARS REMAIN IN THE COMMUNITYAs a community-based nonprofit organization, Via works hard to be an efficient and cost-effective operation. We invest over 85 percent of our resources on direct program support; our revenues are reinvested in our communities, our employees, our facilities, and our sustainability programs and are not diverted to remote shareholders.3. CRISIS RESPONSE & COMMUNITY SAFETYWhen local government contracts with Via we offer our First and Second Crisis Response services. Via provided emergency response evacuations to residents during the 2013 floods and multiple wildfire events over the years, including the Marshall Fire in 2022. Via has been recognized by the Boulder County Sheriffs Office as a heroic and vital component of the Office of Disaster Management. Via is not paid for these services, but we underwrite the costs as a community reinvestment.4. PUBLIC ACCESS PARTNERSHIPSA further community benefit of working with Via includes access to our facilities: our 12-acre east Boulder campus is available to be used as a crisis center and public meeting space. In the aftermath of the horrific King Soopers killings, Via quickly organized our facility into a crisis response center where families could meet privately with law enforcement, counselling, and other critical resourcesVia is there for the community.5. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY LEADERSHIPVia has been a leader in and is committed to Environmental Sustainability and will be fully converting our fleet to zero emission vehicles. We are also partnering with the City of Boulder and Boulder County to continue to build out our on-site solar microgrid. We coordinate closely with our local government partners to ensure that we represent their policies and priorities in the services we offer and the way we conduct our business.6. WORKFORCE TRAINING & DEVELOPMENTVia recently launched a relationship with CareerWise Colorado to begin our first auto mechanic apprenticeship program in 2024 with student employees. It is our goal to mentor and train young people in the newest emerging battery electric and hydrogen technologies, and then be able to offer a full-time, market-based position following graduation.Why Partner with Via Mobility Services?Via Mobility Services is a vital partner for your local government.Despite our many strengths, it would be increasingly difficult for Via Mobility Services to compete head-to-head with national and international for-profit companies intent on entering the market with a strategy of losing money but gaining market share. This is a reality that we face, but when local and county governments fully understand our business model and policy direction, the advantages of a partnership with Via Mobility Services are clear. Thank you for choosing to work with us!

As the population ages, there is a growing need for innovative and comprehensive programs to support older adults in maintaining their independence and quality of life. LIFE Pittsburgh, an organization committed to providing healthcare solutions tailored to seniors, stands out as a beacon of support for older adults in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In this article, we will explore the myriad benefits of LIFE Pittsburgh and how this program plays a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of older individuals in the city.Understanding LIFE Pittsburgh:LIFE Pittsburgh, also known as Living Independence for the Elderly, is a program designed to offer a comprehensive and holistic approach to healthcare for older adults. The program's core focus is to enable seniors to age in place by providing a range of services that address their medical, social, and emotional needs. LIFE Pittsburgh operates under the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which emphasizes a person-centered approach to healthcare. PACE Programs in Pennsylvania are often referred to as "LIFE Programs".Benefits of LIFE Pittsburgh:Integrated Healthcare Services: One of the key benefits of LIFE Pittsburgh is the provision of integrated healthcare services. Participants in the program have access to a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers. This collaborative approach ensures that the medical needs of older adults are not only met but are also comprehensively addressed.Aging in Place: LIFE Pittsburgh is rooted in the principle of enabling older adults to age in place. The program offers a range of services that support seniors in living independently in their homes for as long as possible. This includes home-based care, transportation services, and assistance with activities of daily living. The emphasis on aging in place fosters a sense of familiarity and comfort for participants.Cost-Effective Healthcare: Participating in LIFE Pittsburgh can result in cost savings for older adults. The program's integrated model helps streamline healthcare services, reducing the need for multiple specialists and hospital visits. This, in turn, can contribute to lower overall healthcare costs while ensuring that seniors receive high-quality care tailored to their specific needs.Comprehensive Social Support: Beyond medical care, LIFE Pittsburgh recognizes the importance of social connections for the well-being of older adults. The program offers a range of social activities, support groups, and community engagement opportunities. This holistic approach addresses not only the physical health of participants but also their mental and emotional well-being.Personalized Care Plans: Each participant in LIFE Pittsburgh receives a personalized care plan that is tailored to their unique health needs and goals. The care plan is developed in collaboration with the individual, their family, and the interdisciplinary healthcare team. This personalized approach ensures that older adults receive the right care at the right time.Now, let's delve into how LIFE Pittsburgh specifically benefits older adults in Pittsburgh:Local Community Engagement: LIFE Pittsburgh is deeply embedded in the local community, providing older adults with opportunities to engage with their neighbors and fellow participants. Community events, social gatherings, and local partnerships contribute to a sense of belonging and community support.Transportation Assistance: Pittsburgh's hilly terrain and diverse neighborhoods can pose challenges for older adults when it comes to transportation. LIFE Pittsburgh addresses this by offering transportation services, ensuring that participants can easily access healthcare appointments, community activities, and essential services.Cultural Sensitivity: Pittsburgh is known for its rich cultural diversity, and LIFE Pittsburgh recognizes the importance of cultural sensitivity in providing healthcare. The program strives to understand and respect the diverse backgrounds of its participants, ensuring that care plans are culturally competent and inclusive.Navigating Local Resources: LIFE Pittsburgh serves as a valuable resource for older adults in navigating the local healthcare landscape. From assisting with insurance matters to connecting participants with community resources, the program acts as a guide, simplifying the process of accessing essential services for seniors.LIFE Pittsburgh emerges as a lifeline for older adults in Pittsburgh, PA offering a comprehensive and person-centered approach to healthcare. The program's commitment to integrated services, aging in place, cost-effective healthcare, social support, and personalized care plans collectively contribute to an enhanced quality of life for participants. As the population continues to age, programs like LIFE Pittsburgh play a vital role in ensuring that older adults can age with dignity, independence, and a strong sense of community in the vibrant city of Pittsburgh. To learn more about eligibility and more details on LIFE Pittsburgh, reach out to us at 412-388-8050.

Youve always taken great pride in being able to get yourself to where you want to go, whether its picking up the grandkids from school or walking to the grocery store with your neighbor. When needs change and its harder to access reliable transportation, though, its important to find new ways to get around so you can stay on the go. Maybe youve hung up the car keys and started asking family members to shuttle you to appointments. You may feel like youre losing your independence, but with senior transportation options, it doesnt have to be that way.In fact, the change offers the chance to experience getting around with an ease, freedom and dependability you may not have had before. With senior transportation, an essential aspect of active senior living, you can continue to do the things you love and live life to your fullest. Here are five ways senior transportation can help you do just that:More freedom and flexibilityLosing access to transportation can lead to feelings of loneliness since you may not be able to participate in activities, or see friends, as easily as you once did. With the ease of scheduling and access to local destinations senior transportation provides, though, you can take care of errands, make that doctors appointment and meet your pals out for dinner on your time. Having the freedom to leave the home when you choose is crucial to a fulfilling quality of life and the flexibility of senior transportation can help get you there.Safe, accessible service you can count onHealth issues may mean you need to stop driving, but that doesnt mean you have to slow down your active lifestyle. Senior transportation provides a safe, accessible way to get around thanks to experienced drivers and special accommodations for those using wheelchairs.Affordable and reliableCar maintenance can get expensive, and it sure doesnt help that gas prices are higher these days. No need to worry about car breakdowns or trips to the auto shop with senior transportation, though. Plus, senior transport services are often included in the cost of senior living communities so you can keep more of that money in your pocket instead of spending it on filling the tank.Less reliance on family caregiversLosing access to transportation often leads to leaning on family members for rides, particularly if youve moved into their home. Senior transportation can alleviate that need by providing a way for you to take control of your own schedule and get around when loved ones arent available.Reduced isolation and a more connected senior lifestyleIsolation and feelings of loneliness are common in older adults, especially those who live alone or have lost a spouse. Not being able to easily visit friends and family due to immobility can compound those feelings. Thats why senior transportation doesnt just provide an option for getting to necessities like doctors appointments, but also gatherings like a grandchilds piano recital, a walking group at the park or a Christmas tree lighting downtown with friends that give your life meaning and joy.Stay connected and independent with Five Star transportationAt Five Star Senior Living, we know that having the freedom to access the world outside our communities with safe, dependable transportation is key to a happy, healthy and connected lifestyle. Thats why our residents can take advantage of our shuttle service for errands, appointments, and outings to local destinations and events. With so many amenities available inside our communities, though, including dining, fitness classes, beauty parlors, chapels, movie theaters and more, you may find you can get much of what you need without hopping on a shuttle to get there. The best part? Its included in the cost of senior living, so you wont see any added fees on your one, simple monthly payment. Find a community near you to learn more about how Five Star can get you where you need to go from a community that feels just like home.