Ferguson secures retired Metro vans to benefit kids

September 16, 2011

Summary

Vans will increase access to recreational and educational programs for children in Seattle and North King County

Story

North King County organizations that assist youth in their communities will benefit from the unanimous vote by the Metropolitan King County Council on September 12 to donate retired Metro Vanpool vans to local non-profit organizations. Councilmember Bob Ferguson was able to secure vans for three organizations: YouthCare, Rite of Passage Journeys, and Meadowbrook Community Care.

“As a father of two, I am excited that these vans will be helping children in our community,” said Ferguson. “These organizations provide valuable programs and services to the children of North King County.”

• YouthCare has worked with homeless youth to build confidence and self-sufficiency by providing a continuum of care that includes services such as emergency shelter, housing, counseling, education and job training. “Transportation is key to so much of what we do for the young people we serve,” said YouthCare Executive Director Melinda Giovengo. “Whether for street outreach, visiting colleges, or the simple pleasure of a going to a ball game, a new van will help us in our work to get homeless youth off the streets and preparing for life.”

• Rite of Passage Journeys provides wilderness experiences for youth that foster self-discovery and connection with others to create a greater sense of community. “The donation of this van helps us transport local youth to wilderness trailheads across our state. When youth spend time outdoors, they become life-long stewards of our environment. They also learn how to live and work in community,” said Darcy Ottey, Executive Director for Rite of Passage Journeys. “We are grateful for this essential support from King County and Councilmember Ferguson.”

• Meadowbrook Community CARE (MC2) provides a number of programs for children in its effort to support, educate and engage the community, such as the Lake City Afterschool Project and the Lake City Holiday Gift Project. “We are thrilled to receive a van which will help us with our outreach and programs for the youth in our community, and we appreciate the generous support of Councilmember Ferguson,” said Meadowbrook Community CARE Board Vice President Terry Vogel.

The donated retired vans were part of Metro Transit’s vanpool fleet and had 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 residents, young adults, and senior citizens.

The donation of retired Vanpool vehicles 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 local organizations can contact the Councilmember representing their district for more information on applying for a vehicle.