Seeley Lake Community Foundation Executive Director Claire Muller and I Ride Dispatcher and Program Coordinator Yvonne Kinsey with volunteer drivers Adrian Vanderwielen, Terri Nall and David Wallenburn. Volunteer drivers not pictured Lyle Daniels and Bette Orr.
SEELEY LAKE – "I Ride has been really good not only for him but for the family," said RC Frazier's sister and caregiver Linda Graham of Seeley Lake.
Frazier has been taking the I Ride van to Missoula for dialysis once a week for almost a year. He is one of the many local residents that have taken more than 370 rides given since the I Ride Seeley Lake Van Service started in the spring of 2017.
The intent of I Ride Seeley Lake is to provide affordable, reliable transportation to medical appointments in Seeley Lake and Missoula. In partnership with Missoula Ravalli Transportation Management Association, the Seeley Lake Community Foundation has two vans available Tuesdays – Fridays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The program targets seniors and adults with disabilities but is open to anyone.
The Community Needs Assessment conducted by the Foundation in 2016 identified transportation service to medical appointments as a critical need and continuing problem for many of Seeley Lake's seniors and disabled. The Foundation's Executive Director Claire Muller said part of the Foundation's mission is to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of Seeley Lake with one of the focus areas to meet basic human needs.
"I Ride is providing a basic need for people in this community to get basic services," said Muller. "I think it is really an important way to connect the community together and provide transportation to people who don't have other options."
The program is funded in part through the Seeley-Swan Medical Center Foundation, grants and other private individuals. This funding base helps keep rides affordable.
Riders pay $1 each one way trip to the Seeley-Swan Medical Center, Rejuvenate Physical Therapy or to the Seeley Swan Pharmacy. Trips to Missoula for medical appointments are $5 one way.
I Ride Seeley Lake has two vans with hopes of acquiring a third. One of the vans is handicap accessible equipped with a wheelchair ramp.
The drivers are all volunteers. Currently there are five drivers but program coordinator Yvonne Kinsey hopes to double their driving crew in the next year.
"Our drivers are the life-blood of this program. We have several that are so selfless and have dedicated hours to taking people to Seeley and Missoula," said Muller.
Adrian Vanderwielen has been a volunteer driver since the summer of 2017. He enjoys being able to offer the service to those that may not otherwise be able to get to their appointments.
"The riders are always so thankful that someone does this for them," said Vanderwielen.
Frazier praised the drivers he has had commending them on their safety and attentiveness. He has met new people and is especially grateful for his regular driver Terri Nall.
"Terri is an angel in disguise," said Frazier. "She is a great person – so gentle and helpful."
All rides are by appointment only and need to be scheduled 48 hours in advance for local trips and one week in advance for trips to Missoula. New riders are required to fill out paperwork prior to riding.
"Because this is a service that picks people up at their door, collecting the information ahead of time and making sure we have the info to make sure the driver can get there ahead of time," said Muller.
Frazier would like to see the Foundation expand their program so he could take the shuttle more often.
Kinsey said the main limiting factor right now is drivers. Anyone interested in volunteering to drive are encouraged to visit the Foundation in the Bison and Bear Center for more information. A current drivers license, proof of insurance, driving record and a two-hour orientation are required.
The Foundation is also looking for winter storage for the vehicles. They are hoping to find a vacant garage, carport or lean-to that the vans could be stored under and be accessible to drivers during the snow season.
Muller said, "We are doing the best we can to offer an affordable, reliable service but flexibility is appreciated because all the drivers are volunteers."
To schedule a ride or for more information call 406-880-3685.
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