Livingston County CARES joins Livingston County to announce a new collaboration

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                                                    Driving Change: Livingston County Partners with Livingston County Cares to Enhance Mobility Services

 

GENESEO, N.Y., April 16, 2024 — Livingston County has announced an innovative partnership with Livingston County Cares, a local non-profit organization, aimed at reducing transportation barriers for vulnerable populations within the county. Supported by grants from the Rochester Area Community Foundation (RACF) and the Marjorie Harding Memorial Fund, the initiative seeks to enhance residents’ access to essential services by covering transportation expenses not funded through other channels.

 

The public/non-profit partnership is intended to bolster the existing mobility management program within the County for low-income individuals, women, infants and children, older adults, individuals suffering from substance abuse disorder or mental health difficulties, veterans, and probationers.  This expansion lets clients access critical services, such as mental health counseling, medical appointments, job interviews, or education opportunities without causing undue financial burden.

 

“I think almost every conversation that I’ve had in the last couple of years about poverty in Livingston County always includes concerns about transportation problems for low-income families who struggle and need assistance,” said Dr. Tom Matthews, President of the Livingston County Cares Board of Directors. “So when this whole project came along, it just resonated with us. We’ve had a great partnership with the County since day one and we look forward to continuing that positive relationship through this program.”

 

Livingston County’s multi-disciplinary Public Transportation Work Group provides guidance and direction for the mobility management program by connecting County human service agencies and local non-profit organizations. The County devised a Mobility Management Strategy in 2021, which specifically identified pockets of poverty and zero-vehicle households in rural villages, such as Geneseo, Dansville, and Mount Morris. Concentrations of individuals with disabilities also coincide with areas lacking adequate transportation access. This imbalance underscores the urgent need to bridge gaps in transportation infrastructure to ensure equitable access to healthcare, education, employment, and other essential services.

 

“We are committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring that all residents have equitable access to vital services,” said Livingston County Administrator Ian M. Coyle. “This partnership with Livingston County Cares highlights our dedication to addressing unmet needs and fostering a more inclusive and accessible Livingston County.”

 

The project's intended outcomes are far-reaching, aiming to enhance residents' well-being and quality of life by facilitating access to vital services and opportunities. By leveraging grant funding to support eligible transportation expenses, including trips and essential supplies like gas and phone cards, Livingston County and Livingston County Cares seek to reduce transportation barriers and advance the overarching goal of poverty reduction in the community.