New van allows Seneca County Commission on Aging to help even more seniors
By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Media Relations Coordinator
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Seneca County Commission on Aging Executive Director Bryan Glover drove the agency’s new transportation van to the Seneca County Commissioners’ Office on Aug. 15 to let Seneca County Commissioners Anthony Paradiso and Bill Frankart see tangible evidence of their support. The new Ford Transit van was funded with a Healthy Wellness Grant through the Ohio Department of Aging.
The van will be used to transport seniors across Seneca County through a donation-based service.
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“We can take them to Kroger, and they can call us when they’re done. We can take them to the beauty parlor. We can take them to nursing homes to see loved ones,” Glover said. “We can take them anywhere they want to go in Seneca County.”
The van is a much-needed addition to the Commission on Aging’s fleet of vehicles, which includes food delivery and maintenance vehicles and three other transportation vans that are equipped with ramps. The new Ford Transit van has a lift, giving the agency the opportunity to meet the needs of more seniors.
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“It’s so much easier,” Glover said.
The van’s seating configuration can be changed to accommodate users, making room for wheelchair clients.
“Right now, it is set for seven people, but it depends on the configuration,” Glover said. “We have a lot more clients coming for congregate meals, so now we can bring in more.”
Fostoria Economic Development Corporation (FEDC) President, Renee Smith, was instrumental in the Commission on Aging’s success in gaining approval for the grant. Smith, who manages grant writing for Seneca County, helped the commission write the grant and apply for an exemption that opened the door to utilizing the funds for the purchase of the van.
“They used our submission as a template for the other applicants,” Glover said.
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Glover is grateful for the grant money that funded the van and for the ongoing support of the Seneca County Commissioners.
“I appreciate everything we’ve been able to do with the commissioners and the Healthy Aging Grant,” he said.
In turn, the commissioners are grateful that the Commission on Aging helps so many local seniors.
“We really appreciate Brian Glover and his employees’ hard work and dedication to the Commission on Aging,” Frankart said. “He worked hard on applying for this grant along with guidance from Renee Smith from FEDC, the county’s grant writer. This will help transport more people to their appointments.”