Via recently announced an expansion of its transportation and mobility options service in several communities thanks to a generous and unsolicited gift from the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation of Minnesota. The gift is to specifically be used to support the care of the elderly.
Via plans to expand paratransit services on Sundays in Boulder and Longmont. Now, older adults and individuals living with disabilities can have greater access to worship services, shopping and weekend community events. In Longmont, Via will also expand services during weekdays. Longmont has the fastest growing low-income older adult population in the county and is Via’s highest service demand community.
In the east Boulder County communities of Lafayette and Louisville, Via will add mid-day paratransit services Monday through Friday. Additional vehicles will also be provided for the popular Tuesday evening “Wheels to Meals” dinner and entertainment collaboration with Meals on Wheels of Boulder. The Cargill grant also allows Via to add another mobility options specialist to provide information and referral on the wide range of transportation and mobility services available in the county. The grant also allows Via to incorporate needed technology improvements to improve service to the older adult population.
The Margaret A. Cargill Foundation continues the philanthropic endeavors of Ms. Cargill, who owned one of the largest holdings of Cargill, Inc. common stock. Ms. Cargill died in 2006 and directed that her considerable wealth continue to support the causes that were dear to her. Via’s recent gift is the result of the Foundation’s transfer and sale of Cargill, Inc. stock. Via was one of 11 Colorado nonprofits to receive this one-time donation from the Cargill Foundation.