Town getting $1 million for transportation programs

Janelle Clausen
North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Council Member Viviana Russell with Project Independence Member resident Loretta Ammann. (Photo courtesy of the Town of North Hempstead)
North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Council Member Viviana Russell with Project Independence Member resident Loretta Ammann. (Photo courtesy of the Town of North Hempstead)

The Town of North Hempstead will be getting $1 million in federal funding for Project Independence’s transportation program to assist senior residents and those with disabilities, officials said Tuesday.

Project Independence, founded in 2006, is an initiative managed by the town’s Department of Services for the Aging that aims to help seniors continue living in their own communities. It offers support groups, social programs, health assistance and transportation.

Kevin Greenstein speaks with North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth about the new taxi service for individuals with disabilities. Kevin’s Father, Larry Greenstein, is a member of the Town’s Disabilities Advisory Committee. (Photo courtesy of the Town of North Hempstead)
Kevin Greenstein speaks with North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth about the new taxi service for individuals with disabilities. Kevin’s Father, Larry Greenstein, is a member of the Town’s Disabilities Advisory Committee. (Photo courtesy of the Town of North Hempstead)

Project Independence’s transportation program extended to residents with disabilities in 2017, following a push by the Disability Advisory Committee and town board members unanimously voting in favor.

“It is so important that our residents are able to retain their independence by maintaining their mobility and their ability to age in place,” Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said.

The $1 million grant will come from the Federal Transit Administration’s 5310 Program, which provides funding to states to aid nonprofit groups meet the transportation needs of senior adults or those with disabilities, according to its website.

“This grant from the FTA will enable us to continue to fund our transportation programs over the next three years,” Bosworth said. “Our seniors, as well as residents with disabilities, will be able to access free taxi rides for grocery shopping and discounted taxi rides for medical appointments.”

According to town officials, Project Independence has assisted over 50,000 senior residents.

For more information about the town’s transportation programs, Project Independence, or any other program, call 311.

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