New van enables community integration for Pathways participants

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Sept. 8, 2016 - PRLog -- A day training program for adults with significant disabilities grew from two attendees in 2014 to 31 enthusiastic adults with disabilities today. Plus, there's a waiting list to join the Pathways to Opportunity program operated by Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida.

With success came growing pains, such as ample classroom space and transportation needs. Those growing pains were eased recently with generous donor support.

Purchase of a wheel-chair accessible van was made possible through generous support from SunTrust Foundation, Ryder and the Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation.

"Goodwill's Pathways to Opportunity program is extremely thankful for all the support we received in obtaining the van, which provides daily opportunities for our program participants to explore their community, have classes in more typical settings, and to be productive community members," said Megan Feeney, Disability Support Services program manager.

Based at the Opportunity Center at 5100 Tice Street in Fort Myers, Pathways' facilities include a large activity room, a lunch area that doubles for activities, a computer lab, a supply room, a reception/sitting area, and rest rooms.

Daily classes and activities are scheduled 9:30 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. weekdays and include a broad range of topics, including integration into the community. The new van is instrumental in making that integration possible.

"It's one of the things we are most proud of," said SunTrust Community Development Manager Mark DeHaan. "We're helping get those folks out into the community."

Isabelle Moon, Ryder director of special projects added, "Ryder is a very proud partner with Goodwill of Southwest Florida and we are so pleased we could be a part of such a heartwarming and productive project."

Ryder is a partner in driving transportation efficiency. Innovator of fleet solutions for nearly 80 years, Ryder offers full service lease, comprehensive maintenance, dedicated logistics, and commercial rental and fleet support services. These solutions help customers manage, maintain and protect their fleets more efficiently, focus on their core business, and redirect capital to key business areas to improve customer service and lower costs.

TheSunTrustFoundationisdedicatedtothecompany'spurposeofLighting theWaytoFinancialWell-Beingbyengagingorganizationstoadvancefinancialconfidence.Grantsandactivitiesfocusprimarilyonfinancialempowerment,butalsoincludeeducation,healthandhumanservices, civicimprovementandculturalgrowth.The SunTrustFoundationsupportsAmericanRedCrossdisasterreliefeffortsandcontributesasaUnitedWayGlobalCorporateLeader.Establishedin2008,theSunTrustFoundationproudly provided  grantstotaling  morethan$100millionthroughout  the SoutheastandMid-Atlanticregions.

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades Counties. The agency's mission is to help people with disabilities and disadvantages by offering life-changing opportunities to achieve independence. Goodwill's programs in Southwest Florida include Pathways to Opportunity and Pathways to Work, Job-Link resource centers, small business training classes, disability-accessible housing, the Goodwill L.I.F.E. Academy charter school, and more. For more information about Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, visit www.goodwillswfl.org.