Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE -- A federal grant will help Gwinnett provide transportation to the disabled.

For the second year, Gwinnett received funds from the Federal Transportation Administration's New Freedom Act, a $158,766 grant for the Get in Gear program to provide trips to doctors and hospitals.

During the first six months of operation, Get in Gear provided vouchers for 593 trips that covered more than 10,000 miles. A release said the grant will increase the program's capacity by 25 percent.

"Testimonies from Get in Gear recipients speak volumes about the benefits and excellent service provided by the transportation program," said Gwinnett Health and Human Services Director Pat Baker. "We are pleased to serve the needs of the transportation-challenged Gwinnett disability community."

A required local match of $98,754.50 comes from co-payments from program participants and private donations from Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services.

The nonprofit, governed by volunteers, was incorporated in 1999 to raise funds to supplement select Gwinnett County Senior Services programs, including the home-delivered meals program.

"We are thankful for groups like Friends and the opportunity to receive federal dollars to help us meet the needs of our growing senior population," Baker said.

For information about senior services programs, including senior centers, meal-delivery and more, go to www.gwinnettseniorservices.com or call the Senior Helpline at 678-377-4150.