Harper, Kan.–Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc. (WEC) has announced that the Harper County Department on Aging and Transit (HCDAT) has been awarded a $1,000 grant from the Sharing Success Fund to support its public transportation ride card program and help provide essential transit access to low-income residents and seniors on fixed incomes.
HCDAT’s public transportation service provides rides to all Harper County residents for critical needs such as medical appointments, grocery shopping, grooming services, banking, and other errands. The organization serves approximately 105 residents each month and travels over 5,500 miles, providing service Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT.
The grant will fund 40 ride cards, each valued at $31. These cards will be distributed free of charge to riders in need, alleviating the stress of finding money for necessary travel and offering relief for residents without personal transportation, many of whom rely entirely on public transit for daily needs.
So far this year, 41% of all HCDAT trips have been for medical purposes, including visits to out-of-county specialists, eye and hearing appointments, and pharmacies. For many, HCDAT’s services are not just convenient, they are vital. Without public transportation, many seniors and vulnerable residents would be unable to continue living independently in their own homes and communities. Public transportation service helps ensure continued access to the care and support they need.
HCDAT’s mission is to assist seniors in Harper County to stay in their home and community with increased quality of life. It operates through the Kansas Department of Transportation and administrative grant 5311 program, county tax support, and rider fees. Through programs like the ride card initiative, HCDAT continues its mission to improve the quality of life for Harper County seniors and residents by providing reliable, accessible transportation options.
The Scott Community Foundation began formally accepting applications for grants from the WEC Sharing Success Fund from community-based organizations on December 1, 2012. Since then, the application process has been moved internally and is currently handled directly by WEC. This year, WEC and CoBank have once again each contributed $10,000 to the fund. The program will continue to run until the funds are exhausted. Since 2012, WEC’s Sharing Success Fund has made $165,000 available to community-based organizations and projects across their service territory.
Community based organizations interested in receiving funding from the WEC Sharing Success Fund can apply online. Questions should be referred to Alli Conine, Director of Member Services & Corporate Communications, at 620-874-4563 or aconine@weci.net.
