Archive

CHATS receives $66,200 OFT Grant to help seniors

September 13, 2013   ·   0 Comments

For a senior like Noreen, who lost her ability to drive when she was deemed legally blind, the difference between isolation and independence is being able to safely get out to medical appointments, grocery shopping and attend social activities in the community. That’s where CHATS — Community and Home Assistance to Seniors’ transportation service comes in.

As the demand for rides has increased dramatically, CHATS has looked for ways to enhance the quality, safety and efficiency of its services to better meet seniors’ needs. For that reason, it is delighted to have been given a $66,200 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, which is an agency of the Government of Ontario, that will enable CHATS  to buy, install, train/educate staff/volunteers and implement automated scheduling that will create increased and more cost-effective transportation access for seniors.

“What began as a small local service has evolved into CHATS being the largest provider of seniors’ transportation across all of York Region and South Simcoe,” said Christina Bisanz, CEO. “Our drivers, who collectively speak over 15 languages, are trained to provide seniors with door-to-door service to ensure safe and reliable rides to our clients. Without access to transportation, our clients—including many frail elderly—would not be able to get to their physicians, or other critical appointments,” she added.

“The ability for seniors and people with disabilities to get to places like the grocery store or doctor’s office is essential to their quality of life. This grant will enable CHATS to make those services available more efficiently and I’m pleased this investment is being made for the benefit of the many clients of CHATS in Newmarket and Aurora,” said Frank Klees, MPP for Newmarket-Aurora.

“CHATS is dedicated to enriching the lives of our senior citizens,” said Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP Oak Ridges-Markham.  “Access to transportation is key for any successful community and this grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will enhance CHATS’ dependable services enabling seniors across York Region to continue getting to their appointments and staying engaged in community activities.”

In 2012 CHATS purchased a wheelchair accessible van to serve clients in the rural communities of South Simcoe, filling a crucial need in that area.

“Transportation is a key enabler of healthy communities, decreasing social isolation through the removal of one of the key barriers to civic and social participation,” commented Graham Constantine, chair of the CHATS Board of Directors. “By awarding this funding, OTF is contributing to the provision of services that allow seniors to live well, age well and be well in our community. We greatly appreciate this support.”

CHATS currently provides over 70,000 subsidized rides per year to seniors and those with age related conditions in York Region and South Simcoe, both directly and through partner organizations. Approximately 40 percent of rides are provided by volunteer drivers. In the last year, over one million kilometres were driven by CHATS paid and volunteer drivers. Put another way, this would cover over 262 trips across Canada.

For Noreen, these drives are essential: “CHATS has made such a huge difference in my life.  I don’t see well anymore and as a result I don’t drive – basically I am stranded. [CHATS] has definitely opened up the world for me again.”

Readers Comments (0)