A ROUTE TO INDEPENDENCE
Posted on: July 29, 2024
The heart of Somerset House beats stronger today, thanks to a transformative initiative that has redefined accessibility and empowerment for our residents. Nestled 25 minutes north of Lockport, Somerset House’s remote location posed significant challenges for our residents, making it difficult to access essential services and participate in community life. However, thanks to the determination and innovative thinking of Somerset’s Reintegration Manager, Erin DeWolfe, we have been able to turn these challenges into opportunities with the introduction of the Connect Niagara bus service.
From Isolation to Integration: A Need for Change
The process to secure this vital transportation service was neither quick nor easy. After three years of dedicated effort and collaboration with local transportation authorities, the Connect Niagara bus service is now operational, greatly enhancing access and mobility for Somerset residents. Connect Niagara is a partnership between Niagara County and Niagara Falls Coach Lines, and it connects to NFTA bus lines throughout the county.
Setting up a nearby Connect Niagara stop for Somerset House required a blend of persistence, community support, and a bit of serendipity. Erin stated as she shared her journey, “Honestly, I am a little lucky and a little crafty. I have someone that I know that works for the NFTA, and we are in constant need of transportation. We have a van driver, but we can’t get to everything. It’s really difficult to get 17 people where they need to go all of the time.” Recognizing the immense need for reliable transportation, Erin leveraged her network and a timely NFTA survey to advocate for a bus service that would meet the needs of our residents. Her efforts, along with support from her team at Caz and other neighboring businesses, culminated in the launch of Connect Niagara.
Erin DeWolfe, LCSW, Reintegration Manager of Somerset House
A New Era of Accessibility
Connect Niagara has transformed the lives of our Somerset residents. With its four different colored lines, residents can travel extensively across Niagara County for just $2 a day. For vocational and educational needs, we provide tokens to cover this expense, making it even more accessible. This service has not only improved access to educational and vocational programs, but it also allows residents to visit family, attend medical appointments, and engage in leisure activities.
Erin highlights the significance of this service stating, “We have a lot of residents that are not from Niagara County. Many are from Erie County and surrounding areas. People have been able to see their kids more often, and they are becoming more comfortable riding the bus. This is essential for their reintegration into society.”
Transforming Lives, One Ride at a Time
Introducing the bus service to our residents required careful planning and encouragement. Erin recalls, “I went to our house meeting and shared the good news. At first, the residents were shocked and then super excited. However, when it came time to use the bus, they were nervous. It took some encouragement and support, but eventually, they started practicing and became more comfortable.” Erin further recalled one resident’s experience that exemplifies the positive impact of this new service. “One resident decided to take the Connect Niagara back to the house after a meeting instead of using our van. She came back saying the driver was wonderful and reassured everyone else that it was fine. That gave everyone the confidence to try it.” Today, there has been a noticeable increase in the use of the Connect Niagara bus services as the Somerset residents become more familiar and comfortable with this new transportation option.
Looking Forward with Optimism
The success of the Connect Niagara service shows the power of community advocacy and collaboration. While there are still challenges and adjustments to be made, the impact on our residents’ lives is undeniable. We continue to encourage our residents to embrace this new mode of transportation, supporting them every step of the way.
We are incredibly proud of this achievement and grateful to everyone who played a role in making it happen. This initiative not only bridges physical distances but also brings us closer as a community, fostering independence and hope for a brighter future.
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