Elderly and disabled residents in Prince William will still get rides to their doctors appointments.
In a unanimous vote, the board voted to waive their rules on waiting for action and gave the Wheels to Wellness program $160,000 â a program the county does not operate.
Gainesville District Supervisor Peter Candland said that the move by the board was unprecedented. The county decides to fund selected non-profit and charitable organizations during its budget process each spring. It is rare to see board move to fund a project of this size after the budget has been passed.
Dozens of the 613 program participants sat at the Prince William County Government Center McCoart Building in Woodbridge and spoke to supervisors about why they should continue to fund the program. The program has been operated by the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission, funded by a 3-year grant from the Potomac Health Foundation.
That grant had been set to run out August 11.
âI spoke to some folks who said, âif this program ends, I will dieââŠmany of them lived on fixed incomes, where I cannot even begin to wonder how they put groceries on the table â much less getting them to medical services,â said the 82-year-old former Woodbridge Supervisor Hilda Barg.
âMy patients would have to choose between getting to dialysis â which is a life sustaining measure for themâŠor buying medication, or buying clothing, or buying food. I am really pleading for this program to continue. Wheels to Wellness has been a wonderful program,â said Kathy Trambley, a clinical social worker for a Woodbridge dialysis center.
âThe benefits of Wheels to Wellness have been a godsend to my sister and me. If we were not able to use [the program] I would be traveling 350 miles a week to provide her transportation, and spend almost 20 hours a week in waiting for her. [This program] has provided my sister with a great deal of independence. It has been very physically and mentally beneficial for her to be independent in some areas of her life,â said one resident, whose sister uses the program.
Wheels to Wellness provides elderly and disabled residents with a trip card that would cover their costs for a taxi dispatched from Yellow Cab Prince William, for only their medical-related appointments, stated the programâs manager Karen Mills.
According to Mills, the program costs $40,000 every 45 days.
Mills and Barg stated that they are working to establish the program as a 501 (c)(3), partnering with Northern Virginia Family Services, and local medical facilities to fund the program going forward.
During the supervisors’ discussion, conditions including a reporting requirement, and a guarantee that it was a one-time funding source were adopted.
The county will continue to fund the program using money from their fiscal year 2015 contingency funds, according to Chairman Corey Stewart. The board keeps $500,000 in contingency funds in reserve each year, according to county documents.
â[Prior to the meeting] we met with the County Executive, to see what we could do. The board does want to do what we can do, to at least help provide a stop-gap measure of funds,â said Stewart.
The funding will give Wheels to Wellness six months to find additional funding.
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A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!
Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Donât miss out on the authentic French crĂȘpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.
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Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditionsâno plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treatâit’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fĂšve (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and donât worryâthere will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But thatâs not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Yearâs wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. Weâre bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
Whatâs in store:
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