By the Way Newsletter Fall 2014

The September floods that washed across Boulder County and other Front Range Communities a year ago were a powerful reminder of the force of water. The demographic age wave that is washing over society is having powerful impacts as well. Via felt that force last year. While Via has been preparing for the aging population for a decade, 2013 brought a dramatic increase in the number of people seeking our assistance, and it continues unabated into 2014.

Our commitment to ensuring mobility for the populations we were founded to serve has driven our work and forced us to change. We started planning for this demographic shift a decade ago with growth scenario planning by community, the building of a new facility, an organizational name change, and

NEWS L E T T E R I FA L L 2014

Dear Via,

At the end of reading your most recent fundraising letter, I felt like just opening up my wallet and handing over every cent. I wish I was in a position to give more than this

check and I am hopeful that the next time I hear from you, I am in a better financial position.

While I’m on the subject of Via and how wonderful you all are, I hope you receive all the funding that’s needed to keep up the great work you do. I’m convinced that, without Via,

my rehab program would have failed, since I don’t drive and have no car.

So thanks again, and may the white vans keep rolling.

Best regards,

Ann M. Age 71 Boulder.

innovative mobility options programs; yet even we’ve been amazed by the demand.

This level of demand has caused us to pause and question: Can we meet our promise of mobility for life?

Not without help. The significant demographic shift compels all communities to prepare. Enhanced investment in transportation is critical in every community we serve. Research shows that seniors are driven by a desire for connectedness and that being close to friends and family is the most important factor contributing to their outlook on life, physical and mental health and getting the most from their golden years. Progressive policymakers and planners need to look at how to retrofit their communities

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Your contribution makes a di�erence. Give today.

Say Hello!

What you can do……

• Find out more about local ballot and election issues from your local League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. League of Women Voters Boulder County http://lwvbc.org.

• Find out who your elected officials are at www.vote-smart.org

• Go to your hometown’s website for local election information.

• November 4 is the next election. All registered voters will be sent mail ballots beginning October 15.

• Make sure you are a registered voter and VOTE!

Learn, act and change your world.

Please welcome Carolyn Jannsen, Via’s new Director of Development. Carolyn will oversee all of Via’s private philanthropic efforts. She previously served as advancement director for a college preparatory school in the Boulder Valley school system. Carolyn can be reached at 303-473-2883 or [email protected].

MAKE YOUR VOICE KNOWNAdvocate: transitive verb \ad-v -ka_

_t\

: to support or argue for (a cause, policy, etc.)Origin: Middle English advocat, from Anglo-French, from Latin advocatus, from past participle of advocare to summon, from ad- + vocare to call, from voc-, vox voice — more at voice

There are ballot initiatives, planning task forces, town hall meetings, community advisory boards to join, candidate forums, letter-writing campaigns and elections in every community this fall. Be an active participant in your community’s future. Use your voice and bring this message:

“Mobility is a safety net issue and is critical to quality of life. The growing populations of older adults and people with disabilities in our communities require thoughtful planning that covers essential services, including addressing their mobility needs. Transportation is the key link to community resources and engagement. How can we work together to ensure their future?”

“”

“I am a firm believer that independence and the ability to interact with others helps people feel vital,

relevant, and engaged. I also recognize that communities are strengthened when ALL members of that community, regardless of age or physical ability, are able to interface with one another. In this way, we are better able to learn

about one another’s viewpoints, and together find solutions to common challenges. Via provides the support and

transportation to make these objectives become reality. The staff is caring, the management is sound and professional, and the mission is at the forefront of every decision that is made. As the elders in my own family begin to age, I have

had a personal realization of how important mobility is - not only as a practical means of transportation, but also

in re-enforcing the personal worth and value each of us, as individuals, bring to our world.”

Wendy Reynolds, Via Board Secretary

Via is a private, nonpro�t organization. www.viacolorado.org/donate Unduplicated Clients Served 3000

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According to research from the American Automobile Association (AAA), the average American will outlive the ability to drive by 7-10 years. As the older adult population continues to be the fastest-growing demographic group in our communities, the implications of this fact are significant. The ability to get around when driving is no longer advisable – or possible – is an essential component of maintaining independence, community engagement and quality of life as we age.

New patterns of land use and development, walkable neighborhoods, convenient public transit and other innovative

mobility options are essential components of a future that supports healthy aging.

When I started with this organization nearly 24 years ago, there were fewer mobility options available: public transit, specialized transit services, taxis, and rides with friends, neighbors and family members were the primary means of getting around for those who were unable to drive due to age, health or disability. Now there are many more options emerging, including carsharing and ridesharing, volunteer driver programs and even so-called “self-driving”

cars. Via is continually exploring such options as potential alternatives for the people we’re here to serve.

The City of Boulder recently completed an update to its Transportation Master Plan. I served on the Technical Advisory Committee for that process, and I

was encouraged by the progressive approach the committee took to planning for the needs of those with limited mobility. The plan, recently adopted unanimously by City Council, emphasizes integrated solutions to mobility needs, including expanded local and regional transit, “complete

streets” that emphasize walkability, and enhanced mobility options for older adults and people with disabilities. As other communities we serve plan ahead for the mobility needs of this growing demographic, Via would be pleased to be a partner at the planning table.

Giving up the car keys does not need to mean loss of independence. Whatever the mode of travel, mobility is the goal, and Via will be there to help people find a solution to their mobility needs.

Executive Director

PerspectivesVia Board of Directors...............................................Frank Bruno, President CEO, Western Disposal

Liz Abbott, Vice President Director, Boulder Public Library, retired

Frank Latino, Jr. CPA, Treasurer CPA, Latino & Associates

Wendy Reynolds, Secretary Branch President, Summit Bank & Trust

Peter Powers, Member-at-Large Director of Business Development Longmont United Hospital

Gretchen Wahl, Past President Senior VP, First National Denver

Don Brown, President, Optimal Blue

Joan Campbell, Community Volunteer

Stacy Cornay, Owner, Communications Concepts, Public Relations & Marketing

Marie Gambon, VP for People Boulder Brands, Inc.

Scott Gresser, VP/CFO, TRU Community Care

Suzanne Hoover, Career Volunteer

Lenna Kottke, Executive Director, Via

Bill Munson, VP & CFO, Boulder Community Health

B. Scot Smith, Founder and Principal The Colorado Group

Sharon Svendsen, Attorney

VIA I BY THE WAY I FALL 2014 VIA I BY THE WAY I SUMMER 2013

Newsletter Credits

Mary Cobb, Editor

...............................................

Connect

TEL 303-447-2848

FAX 303-447-0686

E-MAIL [email protected]

www.viacolorado.org

facebook.com/viacolorado

twitter.com/viacolorado

Goal: IndependenceA Travel Training Superstar

Cynda M. age 19, is a travel training success story. A 2014 spring graduate of a Westminster high school, Cynda is like any other young woman her age—in transition, wondering about her future, setting some life goals and gaining independence from her family. For Cynda, a key to her independence was learning how to use public transit so she could get from her home in Westminster to the Project SEARCH program located at the Federal Center in Denver. Cynda entered Via’s travel training program with encouragement from her school counselor, terrific emotional support from her parents, Wayla and Sid, and her own enthusiasm to find her life path. When Cynda was accepted into Project SEARCH, which works to transition youth with intellectual disabilities from school into the job market through supportive job training, internships and job placement assistance, Cynda and her parents knew getting around on public transportation confidently was essential to her evolving independence.

Getting to the Federal Center is no easy task. Beginning with a comprehensive in-home assessment, Cynda has been working with Via’s expert travel trainer Brian Burton, since early June. From the start, her family had trust and confidence in Brian’s knowledge of the fixed route system as well as adaptive training techniques.

Cynda can now leave her back door and make every connection to:

(1) catch RTD’s 112 route heading west to the

(2) US 36/Broomfield Park and Ride,

(3) cross over to Gate K

(4) recognize the right BV bus to get to

(5) Union Station in downtown Denver

(6) then onto the W light rail line

(7) and off at the Federal Center Station

(8) and walk eight minutes to the Campus main door.

She has to be at Denver’s Federal Campus at 8 a.m. so Cynda is up with all the other early birds heading into Denver.

“We want her to be independent and transportation is a huge part of being independent,” said Wayla, “but it is not easy to navigate the fixed route system. Cynda’s successful participation in Via’s travel training program is part of Cynda’s growing up and my learning to let her go. Travel training has opened up a

whole new world for her, and for us.”

Upon completion of the 15 week Project SEARCH program, Cynda hopes to find a job at a Red Robin restaurant (recruiters, keep your eyes out for her) or

a party supply store. For now, though, she can get to the Federal Campus, the library, the bank, the coffee shop, Elitch Gardens and wherever else she wants to go……on her own.

Via’s metro-Denver travel training program is funded by RTD and a federal grant. It is available free of charge to older adults (age 60+), people with disabilities and others living with mobility limitations who reside in the metro-Denver region and who live within the RTD public transit system.

Contact Susan Unger, Via’s Travel Training Coordinator at 303-447-2848 ext. 1048 or [email protected] for more information.

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with transportation options, housing and land-use patterns that help people keep their independence as long as possible.

The first of the baby boomers have now entered their senior years. The profound effect this aging cohort will have on every community is now being felt. We do not

have to succumb to the metaphor that we will all be washed away by the force of this oncoming wave. We can move forward collectively—and interdependently—to provide an inclusive and connected community.

It is important to recognize that each one of us, if fortunate, will be older some day. What kind of community do you want for yourself?

Let’s start creating it now.

★

★Like to help people? Like to drive? Join Via’s team.

Via is recruiting drivers for all four transportation divisions. Full and part time positions available.

Must be able to pass a Department of Transportation physical exam and have a reliable work history with

strong attendance and punctuality records. Via is a great place to work.

For more information call Jim Trahan at 303-447-2848 ext. 1045 or see www.viacolorado.

org/contact/career-opportunities

HELP WANTED: DRIVERS

Population in service area

According to the 2010 Census, the population of older adults and people with disabilities in Via’s service area is expected to grow 95% between 2010 and 2025.

12,463

24,365

2010 2025