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| REAL STORIES |
| Can you imagine being 78 years old, having to be to work at 6:00 a.m., and not having transportation? City busses are not running at 6 in the morning and you are 14 city blocks from your job. This is the story of Dorothy Pollock, affectionately known as “Grandma” by her friends and she had this problem. Each morning for 34 years, Dorothy would get up, look out her window and decide if she would need an umbrella to shelter her from the rain and sun or warm mittens and boots to shield her from the cold. Yes, there were pleasant days when walking wasn’t too bad but when you are 78 years old, 14 blocks at 6 in the morning is a bit too much. Dorothy has worked the past 14 years from 3-5 hours each day at Mr. Beans located in downtown Cedar Rapids. She likes to come in early each morning, have coffee and socialize with the other employees. Then she is ready to go to work where she assists in food preparation and doses other utility work in the kitchen. She works in the same kitchen that served food for Killian’s Tea Room for so many years. When asked what she likes best about her job, she says working with the other employees and especially teasing the cooks. She can’ t think of anything she dislikes. She is considered a treasure by the other employees and Amy Bean the owner. Amy had been concerned for quite some time about Dorothy’s long walk to work, especially during the winter. This January, she and Deb, also employed at Mr. Beans, discussed the problem. Deb immediately thought of the service her husband uses to get to work. He rides the Neighborhood Transportation Service (NTS) bus, a service which provides rides to those without transportation. In the process of getting Dorothy scheduled to ride the bus, it became apparent she would qualify for the Job Access-Reverse Commute (JARC) program. The program is referral-based with the cooperation of the City of Cedar Rapids, Human Service Agencies and the area Transportation Services. Amy was delighted to be Dorothy’s referral which enables her to ride to work at a reduced rate. Riding on the NTS bus not only made Dorothy’s life easier, it has also increased her circle of friends. Lonnie, the NTS bus driver who picks her up each morning, says she loves to visit with him and other riders and is always happy. She calls him her “Special Door Man” because he assists her in getting off and on the bus. He says she is always waiting on her porch and never keeps him waiting. Although there has only been one frightening experience in the past 34 years for Dorothy, when someone tried to get her into their car, she is thankful for the safe, efficient service NTS provides. Problems with her legs over the past few years, reminds her that walking would soon not be an option. When asked how long she intends to work at Mr. Beans, she replied, “As long as God will allow me to.” |
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