Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1441608
2022 Bella vista city guide | 35 Bella Vista Courtesy Van is a local non-profit organization that has been operating for more than 25 years and offers their services free of charge for Bella Vista residents. eir mission statement is "To provide courtesy transportation for persons who live in the City of Bella Vista who can no longer drive due to age and/or health." e Courtesy Van provides a means of safe, reliable transportation to those who need rides to doctor's appointments, buy food, and address other daily needs. e board, schedulers, and drivers work in close coordination to be as responsive and flexible as possible to meet the clients' needs. e default position is always to consider any extra steps necessary to help people who need transportation. Everyone who works at Courtesy Van is a volunteer, there are no paid employees, and the volunteers include the board of directors, drivers, schedulers, and maintenance. e nine-member board meets bimonthly and in addition to daily management, the board is also involved in fundraising for day-to-day operations. It takes significant capital each year to operate, maintain, and insure their three vans, and they rely solely on donations and grants. Covid caused a halt in service from March 2020 to May 2021. During the pause, a computerized and vastly improved scheduling system was put in place. Regardless of these improvements, the current level of activity is about half of pre- covid levels. ey have also lost several drivers due to age (there is an age limit of 77), health, and personal reasons. More drivers are required to fully resume pre- covid service levels. "We want the word out that our organization is here and ready to provide as much needed transportation as possible. Working with the Courtesy Van is a very rewarding experience. ere is a core group of citizens who truly need and appreciate our services. With our improved systems and processes, and the recruitment of more drivers and schedulers, we hope to be around as long as needs exist." All rides need to be scheduled 48 hours in advance. Schedulers receive the calls, make the required notes, which may include accommodation for handicaps, then drivers take the information to plan each day's transportation activities. ose needing a ride, interested in learning more about what they do, or wanting to volunteer can call the Courtesy Van office, leave a message, and they promise to get back to you as quickly as possible! 479-855-7663 1801 Forest Hills Blvd Suite 120 Bella Vista, AR 72715 www.bellavistacourtesyvan.com Lighthouse group makes downsizing easY! 3105 NE 5th Street, #5 Bentonville, AR 479-717-7710 www.lighthousegroupnwa.com Free Transportation for Bella Vista residents who no longer drive due to age/health Proudly Serving Our Community for Over 27 Years! www.BellaVistaCourtesyVan.com Monday thru Friday 9 AM to 5 PM Call (479) 855-7663 to make an appointment SPONSOR CONTENT Bella Vista Courtesy Van: Reliable transportation for those in need