Koinonia Receives $100,000 NOACA Grant for Transportation Initiative

CLEVELAND, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Thanks to overwhelming support from Northeast Ohio community donors and local agency grants, Koinonia Homes' Bucks-for-a-Bus fundraising campaign was a rousing success. The campaign exceeded its goal of raising enough funds to purchase a new vehicle to transport adults with developmental disabilities to work and inclusive community events. With the extra funds, Koinonia will be able to purchase a second passenger bus.

The catalyst for this achievement was a $100,000 grant from Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) to fund replacement and expansion of Koinonia's bus fleet. The Community Fund Management Foundation of Strongsville, Ohio, also awarded a $20,000 grant to Koinonia to offset replacement costs. An additional $22,000 in community donations rounded out the campaign's giving network.

For adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD), it's not just a bus; it's a door to opportunity and symbol of community support and engagement. Launched in 2017, the Bucks-for-a-Bus campaign aimed to provide additional opportunities for people with ID/DD to enjoy a meaningful life in their communities. As the region's leading provider of employment, day and residential services, Koinonia currently provides more than 300,000 miles of transportation annually.

Transportation services are some of the most in-demand among the more than 600 adults that Koinonia serves. The organization will be purchasing two new 18-person buses with electric wheelchair lifts. This equates to an additional 800 trips per year. The buses will be used to transport people to and from work and volunteer opportunities as well as community inclusion events.

"We want to thank NOACA, Community Fund Management, and our community donors for their robust support for Bucks-for-a-Bus," said Diane Beastrom, President and CEO, Koinonia Homes. "Our buses provide a critical role in fostering a sense of independence for adults with ID/DD."

The NOACA grant is part of the Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program; it provides federal financial assistance to private non-profit corporations and public agencies who offer coordinated transportation services that are planned, designed, and carried out to meet the needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities in the Cleveland urbanized area.

Media Contact:
Jessica Studeny
216-409-9319         
[email protected]

About Koinonia Homes

Koinonia (coin-o-NEE-yah) is a leading 501(c)(3) organization in Northeast Ohio that provides residential services, day programs and employment services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Its service portfolio includes 21 licensed group homes and more than 50 supported living arrangements, transportation services and shared living options in safe and healthy settings. For more information, visit www.koinoniahomes.org

SOURCE Koinonia Homes