About Volunteers of America

Volunteers of America Bay Area is an affiliate of Volunteers of America, Inc., a national, non-profit, spiritually based organization that works locally in communities to help the most vulnerable and under-served people achieve their full potential.

Making a Difference for Seniors

Volunteers of America Bay Area, East Cliff Village Apartments resident Charles “Chuck” Recknagel wanted to attend the local County Fair. No public transit or para-transit was available. Despite using a wheelchair, with problems speaking due to a stroke, he wanted to contact the Metro Board of Directors to request that service be provided so that he and other seniors and disabled riders could attend.

With the help of the Volunteers of America Bay Area Service Coordinator, Lisa J. Arthur, he connected with the Central Coast Center for Independent Living and the Metro Accessible Services Coordinator, created a proposal and presented it to the Metro Board of Directors. Despite this being a time of budget cuts, the Board of Directors decided to exceed his request for one day of public transit to the fair, and approved public transit to the fairgrounds for the entire duration of the County Fair.
          
This Volunteers of America Bay Area resident asked for the support he needed and took positive action despite his limitations. His efforts resulted in extended services for all public transit riders, including seniors and disabled riders, throughout the county who can now attend the County Fair. We can all make a difference.

About Volunteers of America

Volunteers of America Bay Area is an affiliate of Volunteers of America, Inc., a national, non-profit, spiritually based organization that works locally in communities to help the most vulnerable and under-served people achieve their full potential.

Making a Difference for Seniors

Volunteers of America Bay Area, East Cliff Village Apartments resident Charles “Chuck” Recknagel wanted to attend the local County Fair. No public transit or para-transit was available. Despite using a wheelchair, with problems speaking due to a stroke, he wanted to contact the Metro Board of Directors to request that service be provided so that he and other seniors and disabled riders could attend.

With the help of the Volunteers of America Bay Area Service Coordinator, Lisa J. Arthur, he connected with the Central Coast Center for Independent Living and the Metro Accessible Services Coordinator, created a proposal and presented it to the Metro Board of Directors. Despite this being a time of budget cuts, the Board of Directors decided to exceed his request for one day of public transit to the fair, and approved public transit to the fairgrounds for the entire duration of the County Fair.
          
This Volunteers of America Bay Area resident asked for the support he needed and took positive action despite his limitations. His efforts resulted in extended services for all public transit riders, including seniors and disabled riders, throughout the county who can now attend the County Fair. We can all make a difference.