FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ed Domansky
Director, Corporate Communications
(770) 994-4579
‘Overcoming Obstacles’ program will seek to encourage independence
through transportation for Bridgehaven members
ATLANTA, March 25, 2005 – The LogistiCare Foundation Inc., in cooperation with the Transit Authority of River City (TARC), is proud to announce that it has awarded a $10,000 demonstration grant to Bridgehaven Inc. – a Louisville-based provider of adult psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery services.
Grant funds will be used to create a model program geared toward helping mentally ill adults gain independence and freedom through the use of public transportation. It will provide a key ingredient toward enabling community integration for these individuals.
“The program, “Overcoming Obstacles,” will focus primarily on educating mentally ill individuals on how to navigate the public transit system,” said Chanda Forsythe, program director for The LogistiCare Foundation. “The program will enable these individuals to build self-esteem and foster confidence in their ability to function independently.”
“TARC is pleased to work with Bridgehaven Mental Health Services and The Logisticare Foundation to create new mobility options,” said J. Barry Barker, executive director of TARC. “In partnership with Bridgehaven, TARC will provide support and expertise to create an effective program that can be regarded as a model for travel-training people with mental illness through staff and in-kind support. This will not only increase theirindependence, but also will improve the quality of life for this group of Louisville residents.”
“We are thankful to LogistiCare for providing the grant funds and to TARC for their willingness to help make the program a reality,” said Ramona Johnson, president and chief executive officer of Bridgehaven. “This program is not only innovative in its approach, but it will promote greater freedom for our members to participate in vocational, educational, recreational and spiritual activities in the community while simultaneously saving tax dollars.”
Local LogistiCare employees will be offered volunteer opportunities to provide one-on-one mentoring assistance to Bridgehaven members once the program is up and running.
For more information about this program or general grant submission and funding guidelines for the LogistiCare Foundation, please contact Ms. Forsythe at 770.994.4608 or chandaf@logisticare.com.
The LogistiCare Foundation was established in 2004. It is recognized as a private charitable foundation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As a private foundation, the mission of the LogistiCare Foundation is to increase access to transportation for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and persons living in poverty.
The Transit Authority of River City's mission is to explore and implement transportation opportunities that enhance the social, economic and environmental well being of the greater Louisville Community. Since 1974, the Transit Authority of River City (TARC) has been the major public transportation provider for Jefferson, Oldham and Bullitt Counties in Kentucky, and Clark and Floyd Counties in Southern Indiana . TARC strives to enhance economic development, improve access to jobs, and help to reduce pollution and congestion on our roads, making Louisville a better and healthier place to live.
Bridgehaven Inc. has existed since 1958 to provide the highest quality, community-based psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery services for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. Bridgehaven strives to reduce the stigma of mental illness and increase public acceptance and understanding, while promoting full integration of persons with mental illness into the community.
