Home » News & Events » Senior Center Shuttle Program Earns NACo Achievement Award
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Montgomery County’s Senior Center Transportation Program, which is operated by JCA under contract with Montgomery County Recreation, has earned an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo).
The Senior Center Transportation Program was launched in January 2014, with JCA operating Senior Center Shuttles that enable older adults to travel safely to and from the county’s five senior centers as well as enjoy special excursions. The NACo award program recognizes innovative county government initiatives in 21 categories, including parks and recreation.
“This is a great example of the power of public-private partnerships,” said Elinor Ginzler, senior director of JCA’s Ruth & Hans Cahnmann Center for Supportive Services. “Montgomery County Recreation offers a wide range of recreational activities and health services at its senior centers, but many seniors need a safe, dependable way to get to and from their local center.”
JCA’s fleet of Elderbuses is the perfect solution to fill this need. Each bus seats up to 20 persons and can accommodate two wheelchairs, and JCA drivers are specially trained to assist seniors and persons with disabilities. County residents age 55 and older who live within a defined geographic service area for the senior centers are eligible for this free program. The Senior Center Shuttles operate Monday through Friday, and can pick seniors up at their homes.
In fiscal year 2015, the Senior Center Shuttles provided 18,962 passenger trips. The program leverages resources from the Montgomery County Recreation, the Department of Health and Human Services and JCA to achieve the mutual goal of providing high quality services to senior residents.
“JCA has provided and coordinated transportation to local seniors since 1973, and we continue to build upon our expertise and find more ways for seniors to get where they want to go,” said David Gamse, chief executive officer at JCA. “This collaborative program allows us to provide transportation to more seniors and help them stay independent, active and connected to the community.”
If you or a loved would like more information about the Senior Center Shuttles, call the Recreation Department at 240-777-4924.
For additional information about local mobility options, call JCA Connect-A-Ride at 301-738-3252. Connect-A-Ride is a previous NACo award winner.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
