(Lawrenceville, Ga., March 6, 2012) – Today commissioners accepted a $158,766 federal grant for the Get in Gear medical transportation program for disabled individuals 18 years and older who have no other transportation options. This marks the second year Gwinnett has received funding for the program through the Federal Transportation Administration’s New Freedom Act.

The required local match of $98,754.50 will come from program participant copayments and private donations from the nonprofit Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services (Friends) organization. During the first six months of operation, Get in Gear provided vouchers for 593 trips that covered more than 10,000 miles. This new grant will increase the program’s capacity by 25 percent.

Gwinnett Health and Human Services Director Pat Baker said, “Testimonies from Get in Gear recipients speak volumes about the benefits and excellent service provided by the transportation program. We are pleased to serve the needs of the transportation-challenged Gwinnett disability community."

Friends is a volunteer-governed nonprofit organization that was incorporated in 1999 to raise funds to supplement select Gwinnett County Senior Services programs, including the home-delivered meals program. In the past three years, Friends has sponsored a total of 51 homebound, elderly clients for the meals service, making a significant dent in the waiting list. Since its inception, Friends has donated six fully-equipped vehicles and other equipment to the home-delivered meals program.

Baker said, “We are thankful for groups like Friends and the opportunity to receive federal dollars to help us meet the needs of our growing senior population."

Gwinnett County Senior Services operates three active senior centers in Lawrenceville, Norcross and Buford and offers in-home services that include meal-delivery, respite care and light housekeeping. For more information, visit www.gwinnettseniorservices.com or call the Senior Helpline at (678) 377-4150.