Ferguson secures retired Metro vans for North Seattle’s Community Psychiatric Clinic and PROVAIL’s Traumatic Brain Injury Clubhouse

September 8, 2010

Summary

Vans will assist local veterans and individuals living with brain injuries

Story

The Metropolitan King County Council unanimously approved at its September 7 meeting the donation of retired Metro Vanpool vans to provide transportation assistance to local governments, community programs senior citizens and young adults. Council Chair Bob Ferguson secured vans for two North Seattle organizations: Community Psychiatric Clinic’s Project THRIVE and PROVAIL’s Traumatic Brain Injury Clubhouse.

“As a resident of North Seattle, I am excited that these vans will provide much needed transportation services for individuals facing hardship,” said Ferguson. “These organizations provide valuable services to the residents of North King County, and now even more individuals will benefit from the good work of these agencies.”

The Community Psychiatric Clinic’s Project THRIVE (Treatment, Housing, Resources and Interventions for Veterans Empowerment) is located in Lake City and PROVAIL’s TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) Clubhouse is located in North Seattle.

The Community Psychiatric Clinic’s Project THRIVE is a federally funded program that provides treatment, housing, and a resource center for homeless veterans with dual disorders of mental illness and chemical dependency.

“We are thrilled to receive a van which will allow us to expand community outreach services to the veterans in Project THRIVE who have served our country with honor and dignity,” said Shirley Havenga, CEO of Community Psychiatric Clinic.

PROVAIL’s TBI Clubhouse is a community center for people living with the effects of a brain injury. The Clubhouse offers a safe environment where individuals can develop the skills needed to continue meaningful and productive lives.

“This passenger van will be an invaluable resource for our new traumatic brain injury clubhouse - Seattle Brainworks - and will help members pursue their goals of reintegration into the community. PROVAIL is grateful for this donation from the County, and we greatly appreciate the support of Councilmember Ferguson and his staff,” said Mike Hatzenbeler, President and CEO of PROVAIL.

The retired vans have been part of Metro Transit’s vanpool fleet and have reached the end of their service life. Since 1995, the County Council has been donating retired vans from Metro’s VanPool program to local nonprofit organizations to provide transportation for the disabled, low-income, young adults, and senior citizens. The groups are responsible for licensing, insuring and maintaining the vehicles.

The VanPool program provides mobility for a diverse array of King County residents, supports the positive work of various local organizations, and relieves traffic congestion by reducing the need for single-occupancy vehicles. Interested organizations can contact the Councilmember representing their district for more information on applying for a vehicle.