5 Points Wheels Calls on Community For Support To Launch
July 30, 2007
Columbia, S.C. – July 30, 2007 – With two grants in hand, the Capital Senior Center is calling on the community to help launch its new transportation program, 5 Points Wheels.
“Five Points Wheels aims to keep seniors and adults with disabilities in their homes, where they are most comfortable, for as long as possible, while providing a way for them to maintain access to the activities and necessities that keep them safe and healthy,” said Roger Cranford, program coordinator. “This type of volunteer-based transportation program is an excellent example of how a community can come together to help preserve the dignity and maximize independence of its older and disabled adults.”
Staffed by volunteers, the program will provide rides in and around the Five Points community at no charge to seniors and adults with disabilities. The senior center has secured funds through an Elder Care Trust Grant from the S.C. Lieutenant Governor’s Office on Aging and the S.C. Department of Transportation to administer the program.
These funds will be applied toward 80 percent of the purchase price of the vehicle and program start-up costs. Approximately $10,000 is needed to complete the purchase of vans and other equipment necessary to launch the program. As of mid-July, about $7,000 had been raised.
In addition, the Capital Senior Center is asking the community to donate funds toward the annual operating budget of $50,000.
Five Points Wheels will roughly serve the area from Rosewood Drive to Beltline to River Drive to Huger Street and back to Rosewood, Cranford said. Neighborhoods to be served include Five Points, Rosewood, Shandon and Earlwood Park.
The faith community has been supportive of 5 Points Wheels with a dance and other fundraising events.
Similar programs have been successful in the Columbia area. Organizers of 5 Points Wheels have meet with representatives from Harbison Wheels, a program that recently marked 20 years of service in the Irmo area.
To make a donation or volunteer for 5 Points Wheels contact Roger Cranford at Capital Senior Center, 803-779-1971.
