Nelson CARES has launched the third phase of its Moving Together project.
Executive director Jenny Robinson acknowledged the contribution of the Vancouver Foundation for its support of the seniors transportation improvement initiative, launched in 2014.
“We are extremely grateful to the Vancouver Foundation, and all our partners, for their ongoing commitment to this project,” said Robinson. “Without their help, we would not be here announcing the implementation of our transportation action plan.”
The foundation grant of $85,000 will allow Nelson CARES to continue its work with stakeholder groups to address barriers to transportation for seniors in the West Kootenay and develop policy and best practices initiatives for regional transportation services.
“Moving Together is an innovative social initiative that will have broad community impacts,” said Kevin McCort, CEO of the Vancouver Foundation. “The Foundation is proud to support projects that help seniors in rural areas develop stronger connections to their communities and contribute to their quality of life.”
The funding will also allow Nelson CARES to hire a transportation animator. That person will work with seniors directly to help them identify transportation challenges and connect them to appropriate transportation solutions.
The animator will also promote public awareness of issues and encourage collaboration among transportation providers.
Nelson CARES hopes to have the transportation animator position filled by year’s end, Robinson noted.
“Transportation has been overwhelmingly identified as a primary issue for our rural senior population,” said Robinson.
“The animator’s front-line work identifying challenges and building solutions for individuals will contribute directly to fuller, richer lives for seniors.”
Moving Together is a pilot project of the Age Friendly Community initiative. The overarching goal is to enhance seniors’ independence and inclusion in community life, and improve health and social outcomes.
