Beacon’s ‘expanded’ transportation services on hold
The Beacon of HOPE has announced that its expanded transportation program has been put on hold. The program began four months ago and has enabled the Beacon to gain experience and knowledge of what scope of transportation services are needed on Pine Island and what the priorities should be. The Beacon now has a better understanding of the staff and financial resources required.
As in the past, the Beacon’s primary focus is assuring that island residents can get to needed medical appointments. This will not change and is the Beacon’s top transportation priority.
As of August 30, the Beacon will be suspending its other transportation activities not pertaining to medical appointments and considering, based on the 4 months of experience, how best it can respond long term. In consultation with other Pine Island organizations, the Beacon will explore how best those expanded services can be funded and supported. The group hopes to communicate its plans later this fall.
The Beacon of HOPE board would like to give a special thanks to Cliff Blumenfeld, its transportation director, for all the hard work and dedication that he put into getting this program up and running.
The Beacon is committed to continue providing essential transportation services in collaboration with similar minded organizations and agencies to the best of our abilities. At this time, the Beacon is asking for volunteer drivers who would be willing to drive their own vehicles for medical appointments. If you are interested, please call the Beacon of HOPE at 239-283-5123.