The Pelham Senior Center is celebrating a major milestone in increasing accessibility to its programs with the donation of a wheelchair-accessible bus, a gift that will greatly enhance the experience of our growing senior community.
For years, the center has provided a welcoming space for seniors to gather, socialize, and participate in various activities. However, with an increase in outings and a rise in membership, it became clear that additional accommodations were needed to ensure all members had equal access to transportation. Until now, our buses lacked wheelchair accessibility, making it difficult for some of our seniors to participate fully in off-site activities.
Recognizing this need Brian Cooper, Parks & Recreation Director, took action by applying for assistance through Shelby County’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The CDBG Program is designed to support community development initiatives, helping communities build stronger and more resilient infrastructures. Through this ongoing process, funding and resources are allocated to projects that enhance public services, community centers, housing, and more.
Thanks to their efforts, Shelby County identified a bus with an ADA-compliant wheelchair lift and generously donated it to the Pelham Senior Center. This donation marks a significant step forward in making our programs and outings more accessible to all members, ensuring that no one is left behind due to mobility challenges.
"We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation," said Katie Augsburger, Pelham Senior Center Recreation Coordinator. "With this bus, we can now better serve our senior community by providing transportation for even more of our seniors."
The Pelham Senior Center continues to thrive as membership grows, and this new addition will allow more seniors to enjoy outings, events, and activities without limitations. This donation reflects the power of community partnerships and the importance of prioritizing accessibility to our programs and amenities.
A heartfelt thank you to Shelby County, Brian Cooper, and everyone involved in making this possible!
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming outings and how this new bus will be put to great use.