You may have first experienced our nonprofit organization as a provider of paratransit services to the elderly and people with temporary or permanent disabilities. Or perhaps you became familiar with Via without even knowing who we are as you rode on the City of Boulder HOP bus route. This service has been operated and maintained by Via since 1994. Initially envisioned by the City and Via, the route makes it possible to get from the University of Colorado campus to the historic Pearl Street shopping district, and the 29th Street shopping and entertainment area without getting into a car. Via has also operated FlexRide, formerly Call-n-Ride, and Access-a-Ride services for RTD for many years. We also operate well-loved commuter micro transit routes such as the Lyons Flyer, HOP to Chautauqua, RideFree Lafayette, and the Omnibus for the City of Littleton. While initially headquartered and focused in Boulder County, Via has grown into Broomfield, Larimer, Weld Counties, and in 2020, on short notice, we took over from a Wheat Ridge based nonprofit that provided services to the mobility handicapped throughout the Denver metro area that had decided to end its paratransit service. This brought Vias signature door-through-door service to the four-county Denver area. When local government contracts with Via for shuttles or other public transit, there are several unique benefits that we provide at no additional cost.These include:1. REINVESTMENT IN COMMUNITY PARATRANSITVia directs the earned income from our contracts into affordable paratransit services for that community. This revenue, combined with other funding, is used to leverage additional federal and state grants, vastly increasing the services provided to our communities. This is unique to Via, as no other service provider reinvests its earned income to increase and expand necessary mobility services to our most vulnerable community members.2. PUBLIC DOLLARS REMAIN IN THE COMMUNITYAs a community-based nonprofit organization, Via works hard to be an efficient and cost-effective operation. We invest over 85 percent of our resources on direct program support; our revenues are reinvested in our communities, our employees, our facilities, and our sustainability programs and are not diverted to remote shareholders.3. CRISIS RESPONSE & COMMUNITY SAFETYWhen local government contracts with Via we offer our First and Second Crisis Response services. Via provided emergency response evacuations to residents during the 2013 floods and multiple wildfire events over the years, including the Marshall Fire in 2022. Via has been recognized by the Boulder County Sheriffs Office as a heroic and vital component of the Office of Disaster Management. Via is not paid for these services, but we underwrite the costs as a community reinvestment.4. PUBLIC ACCESS PARTNERSHIPSA further community benefit of working with Via includes access to our facilities: our 12-acre east Boulder campus is available to be used as a crisis center and public meeting space. In the aftermath of the horrific King Soopers killings, Via quickly organized our facility into a crisis response center where families could meet privately with law enforcement, counselling, and other critical resourcesVia is there for the community.5. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY LEADERSHIPVia has been a leader in and is committed to Environmental Sustainability and will be fully converting our fleet to zero emission vehicles. We are also partnering with the City of Boulder and Boulder County to continue to build out our on-site solar microgrid. We coordinate closely with our local government partners to ensure that we represent their policies and priorities in the services we offer and the way we conduct our business.6. WORKFORCE TRAINING & DEVELOPMENTVia recently launched a relationship with CareerWise Colorado to begin our first auto mechanic apprenticeship program in 2024 with student employees. It is our goal to mentor and train young people in the newest emerging battery electric and hydrogen technologies, and then be able to offer a full-time, market-based position following graduation.Why Partner with Via Mobility Services?Via Mobility Services is a vital partner for your local government.Despite our many strengths, it would be increasingly difficult for Via Mobility Services to compete head-to-head with national and international for-profit companies intent on entering the market with a strategy of losing money but gaining market share. This is a reality that we face, but when local and county governments fully understand our business model and policy direction, the advantages of a partnership with Via Mobility Services are clear. Thank you for choosing to work with us!

Older adults and people with disabilities experience the adverse side effects of social isolation at a higher rate than the average American. Humans are social creatures, and plenty of those we serve are already far too familiar with the struggles of social isolation. Access to affordable, accessible transportation removes one of the many barriers to staying connected that people limited mobility options face. But transportation is only one part of a more extensive network of services that people need.As we being to face the realities of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, we are all being encouraged to practice social distancing to help stop the spread of this disease. Were acutely aware of the challenges that those in isolation, whether by choice or necessity, face, and we understand that this is an uncertain and stressful time. At Via, we have already seen a decline in ride requests as our riders decide to stay home. Over the past week, senior and recreation centers, adult day facilities, and public events and spaces have made the difficult decision to close or reduce hours as a precaution to help minimize the effects of this outbreak in our community. You can learn more about Vias response here. We have compiled a list of resources to help you and your loved ones access the services you need, and weve included some other ideas of how everyone can stay connected and engaged.If you have any resources that you would like to share, we would love to hear from you! Please email your ideas and resources to via@viacolorado.org so we can add them to this list.

Talking to your parents about independent living communitiesBy: Country Meadows | cost of senior living, For Adult Children, Independent Living, Senior Living, senior living communitiesFor adults with aging parents, there are several difficult although necessary conversations that must be had around planning for the future. One of those conversations is about making the transition to senior living. And with multiple care factors to consider and a range of options for independent living communities to choose from, this discussion may seem all the more daunting. At Country Meadows, we have decades of experience in helping families make the right decisions for their senior living journey. Here of some ways to help ease into the conversation of planning for senior living.Find the right time and use the right toneWhen discussing sensitive subjects, especially ones so deeply personal, its best to enter the conversation knowing that it may not be easy for either yourself or your aging loved one. Be sure to find a time where there are no other distractions and you can sit down and have a meaningful experience. For instance, attempting to have this discussion during a family function or before an important event may cause clouded judgement as its already such a momentous time. If this is the very first time youll be having a conversation about independent living communities, these preparations can make all the difference in how your words are received. Its also important to understand there may be resistance from your parents or loved one when discussing independent living communities. If the discussion becomes emotional, be sure to stay calm while directing the conversation. Do your own research on independent living communitiesIts a good idea to walk into a situation prepared, and discussing independent living communities with your parents is no different. Researching amenities, activities and levels of available care if needed will help you provide solid answers when questions arise. Additionally, understanding the differences in pricing among the many independent living communities available will help you be realistic about what options are affordable. Once your parents are ready to be a part of the process, youll already be prepared for a more positive prospecting experience.   Anticipate what your parents are looking for in independent living communitiesWhile your parents or elders may not have explicitly expressed what theyre looking for in a senior living community experience, there are reference points that can help you understand what they may need from independent living communities. For instance, gauging their level of independence will be important when it comes to determining the type of care that theyll need now or in the future and this may differ from what your parents feel their level of independence is. Knowing, however, what aspects within the independent living communities youre researching may bring a compromise between your points of view. This can help to keep these conversations respectful of what you feel is best and also what your parents wishes are. If you know that your parents are social, active or enjoy dining out often, leading your research with independent living communities that feature those amenities can be a great entry point.  Be ready to have multiple discussionsRome wasnt built in a day, and its very likely that planning retirement wont happen in a single sitting either. There are many aspects that go into making a decision on senior living. Between the initial conversation, understanding the options available, visiting prospective campuses and financial considerations, there will be a lot of time invested in the process. Outside of these factors, the emotional aspects may leave you having to revisit this conversation with your loved ones either when theyre ready to think about independent living communities or when theyre willing to at least continue the discussion. Being able to listen and empathize will be very important in ensuring that everyone feels respected and heard.Ultimately, understanding your parents emotional needs in addition to their physical needs will be crucial in navigating these difficult conversations effectively. And when youre ready to make a decision on independent living communities, Country Meadows is here to help. With nine locations in Pennsylvania and one in Frederick, Maryland, Country Meadows has consistently been recognized as one of the best independent living communities for seniors. Not only are our independent living communities affordable, but theyre also designed for each resident to feel connected to neighbors while still having space all their own. Our campuses are pet friendly, as well, so residents can bring their furry friends along. In addition to independent living communities, Country Meadows also offers many different services including memory support, rehabilitation services, assisted living and personal care as well as restorative care options. With this comprehensive approach, our independent living communities are able to give a range of care to all residents. If you or a loved one are looking for more information on independent living communities or specifically more information on Country Meadows, contact us today. We can help you learn more about the services we offer, schedule a tour of our independent living communities and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you.