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!

Older adults and people with disabilities experience the adverse side effects of social isolation at a higher rate than the average American. Humans are social creatures, and plenty of those we serve are already far too familiar with the struggles of social isolation. Access to affordable, accessible transportation removes one of the many barriers to staying connected that people limited mobility options face. But transportation is only one part of a more extensive network of services that people need.As we being to face the realities of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, we are all being encouraged to practice social distancing to help stop the spread of this disease. Were acutely aware of the challenges that those in isolation, whether by choice or necessity, face, and we understand that this is an uncertain and stressful time. At Via, we have already seen a decline in ride requests as our riders decide to stay home. Over the past week, senior and recreation centers, adult day facilities, and public events and spaces have made the difficult decision to close or reduce hours as a precaution to help minimize the effects of this outbreak in our community. You can learn more about Vias response here. We have compiled a list of resources to help you and your loved ones access the services you need, and weve included some other ideas of how everyone can stay connected and engaged.If you have any resources that you would like to share, we would love to hear from you! Please email your ideas and resources to via@viacolorado.org so we can add them to this list.

Traditionally, an adult daycare center is a non-medical, non-residential center supporting adults social, medical, nutritional, and daily living activity needs in a professionally staffed, group setting. These facilities provide seniors with transitional care and short-term rehabilitation following hospital discharge. You can sign up for one day a week, five days a week, or just come in as you need to.When to Consider Adult DayCare. According to the National Adult Day Services Association and the AARP, one might want to start looking into daycare when they start to see the following signs:The senior can no longer structure their own daily activitiesThere is a concernHere is a breakdown of the various types of settings and services you might find.Social Day Service SettingsThese programs usually offer nutritious meals, snacks, personal care, socialization, exercise, recreational activities, outings, and educational programs. These settings are often informal, and, typically, the care recipient attending these facilities is very independent.Medical Day Service SettingsThese programs are often housed and sponsored by hospitals or nursing facilities, or you will find free-standing centers. Medical and/or non-medical personnel are available at all times. Staff may include on-call physicians and nurses, therapists, social workers, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), personal care workers, drivers, and program directors.Specialized Day Service CentersThese settings are appropriate for patients with dementia or Alzheimers disease. They offer a safe and stimulating environment and provide socialization activities and outings.Shopping for Adult Service CareThe first step is to determine the primary need of the senior and then consider the following important aspects of adult daycare:Do they provide round-trip transportation?Are they licensing for administering medicine and medical procedures?What are the professional qualifications of the staff?Do they have a schedule of activities?Do they have nutritious menus that meet the needs of the client?Do they have competitive prices for services offered?What payment source do they take? Is it a county or charity facility? Is the seniors income low enough to qualify for assistance? Will the long-term care insurance company accept this as a reimbursable expense? Does the facility accept Medicaid? Or Veteran Benefits?What is the staff to client ratio?Daycare CostsAccording to the U.S. Administration on Aging, costs for adult daycare can range from as little as $25 to more than $100 a day, depending upon factors such as what services are offered. The average cost is just under $70 a day.Unfortunately, Medicare typically doesnt cover the fees. However, many may be eligible for financial assistance through other government programs, such as Medicaid, the Veterans Health Administration, and other state agencies. That means adult daycare may be a more affordable option for caregivers seeking help and respite than hiring a worker to provide in-home care.If you would like help finding the perfect adult day program for you, please fill out this form and someone will get ahold of you.If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Broomfield, CO please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services today. Call 720-789-8529.