The Chelsea Community Foundation, an affiliate fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, awarded a grant of $25,000 to Western-Washtenaw Area Value Express (WAVE). The grant provides an affordable, countywide mobility option to Chelsea area residents for the first time through the new LifeLine Services Van Program.
“For the first time, WAVE will be able to pick up riders at their doorsteps and take them into Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti or other Washtenaw County locations,” said Michaelene Pawlak, executive director of WAVE. “This program is the 'missing link' we've been waiting for.”
The new LifeLine Services Van Program provides WAVE with the ability to put a ramped minivan on the road and expand the service area in Washtenaw County in order to assist riders in reaching hospitals, dialysis centers, private medical providers, human service agencies, employment agencies, grocery stores, wellness centers, pharmacies, and educational or enrichment opportunities.
WAVE vehicles previously were restricted to a relatively small area of Washtenaw County. Although existing public transportation options, including bus services, provided for many transportation needs, limited schedules meant Chelsea residents could not rely on public transportation to meet some of their daily needs. The new LifeLine Services Van Program enables Chelsea residents to travel independently throughout the area.
