Alliance Bank Relationship Manager Kelsie Zellers with representatives from Pulaski County Human Services in front of one of their new vans. Pictured (l to r): Board Member Kathy Meyer, Board Members Catherine and Rev. Don Franklin, Board President Betty Stinemetz, Kelsie Zellers, Vice President Judy Heater, Driver Jan Rick, and Executive Director Jacki Frain.
Most people don’t have to think twice about jumping in our vehicles and driving to the places we need to go – work, school, shopping, appointments. Imagine what it would be like having that taken away from you. Your eyesight starts failing. You are laid off and cannot afford gas. Your car breaks down and it’s a few weeks before you can get it repaired. “If you’ve not had to use public transportation, you don’t value it,” shares Jacki Frain, Executive Director of Pulaski County Human Services (PCHS).
THE NEED FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Jacki and her team at PCHS have been providing public transportation to our community since 1981. No doubt you’ve seen their Arrowhead Country Public Transit buses and vans traveling up and down the roads across Pulaski County (and beyond). Aboard those vehicles, the PCHS drivers might have a load of youngsters headed to preschool for the day. They could be giving an elderly man a ride to the grocery store or headed to the doctor’s office with an expectant mother. Public transportation is for everyone.
This fall, PCHS was awarded grant funding to purchase 2 new 14-passenger vans. Not just any vans, these vehicles do not require a CDL to drive and they have convertible seats so they can easily be transitioned from adults to children. Jackie explained what an asset they are to the community, “The best thing we can do is give a parent the ability to get their child to and from preschool or daycare safely.” While our community has a wide array of helpful resources, getting to them can be half the battle. Many local churches will provide rides, but they are appreciative of the addition of the new vans as they see more need and fewer volunteers. “Not everyone has somebody to take them to appointments or procedures,” stressed Jacki.
LIMITED FUNDING
These new vans are truly an asset for Pulaski County at a cost of $119,000 each. Grant funds covered most of the cost, but PCHS was required to raise $48,000 from limited local resources. Realizing the value of public transit, Alliance Bank donated $5,000 towards the project.
“We don’t fully realize the true needs in our communities until we meet with those that serve,” expressed Alliance Bank’s Kelsie Zellers. “Pulaski County Human Services has been a vital provider to all people in
our communities who need support; whether it be providing food to those who are hungry, making sure that Christmas is magical for families in need, providing educational resources to children and adults, and providing vital transportation to those who may not have the means to drive themselves to work, doctor appointments, or even to get groceries for their families. We wanted to show our support and appreciation to this organization for everything that they do.”
SERVICES FOR ALL
The Pulaski County Human Services Board and staff want to ensure their community knows they have access to the service. “Our vans run Monday through Friday from 8 am until 4 pm. Many of our residents schedule their rides weeks in advance, but we do our best to accommodate requests with 24 hours’ notice,” shared Jacki. Any Pulaski County resident can request a ride by calling 877-946-4211 and leaving a message. A staff member will call you back to confirm your ride during business hours. There is a small fare to help cover the costs of the service – $1 per boarding or they offer subscription services for regular riders.
The PCHS building in Winamac was a busy place during our visit. While the volunteer Board members met for their monthly meeting, staff and volunteers were bustling about preparing for the organization’s annual Christmas Assistance Program. Each December they provide food, toys, and clothes to hundreds of residents who need help during the holiday season. While Public Transit is just a small part of PCHS’s overall operating budget, they feel the strain of offering the service. “We rely on our local government and donations to cover half of the cost of our program. Not only do we have fewer funding resources in our rural community, but we then also face the challenge of greater miles between our stops,” explained Jacki. “We encourage everyone to visit our centers, food pantry, or take a ride.”
Pulaski County Human Services is located at 115 West Pearl Street in Winamac. They also offer meal sites at Von Tobel Center in Winamac and the West Side Center in Medaryville. For more information, call their office at (574) 946-6500 or email pulaskipchs@embarqmail.com.
