Pines of Sarasota Receives Grants For Vehicles

Monday, 17 May 2010 00:00

(Sarasota, FL) – Florida Department of Transportation, District One has selected Pines of Sarasota as a fiscal year 2010/2011 grant award recipient under Federal Transit Administration Services Section 5310. Pines will receive a combined grant of $91,558 from the United States Department of Transportation and the Florida Department of Transportation.

This funding is for the purchase of one 23 ft. diesel bus that can accommodate wheelchairs, as well as one 17 ft. van that can also accommodate wheelchairs. The bus will be used to transport residents to a variety of activities, enhancing the quality of their daily lives.

"The small vehicle will be helpful in transporting area individuals to rehabilitation services provided at Pines, as well as providing economical transport for small groups of residents to medical appointments and other outings," John Overton, Pines CEO said.

An additional $33,500 is still needed to reach the full cost of these two vehicles. Help is still needed from the community to reach the goal. If this might be of interest please contact Pines Foundation at 955-6293.

Estelle Crawford, Pines Foundation President added, "Pines has served seniors and their families including those with the greatest need and the fewest resources since 1948. These grants will support our ability to continue that mission."

About Pines of Sarasota

Pines of Sarasota is a private, non-profit, 276-bed long-term care community on 17 acres near downtown Sarasota established in 1948 by the Kiwanis Club and comprised of a new $15 million Skilled Nursing Facility and Ann and Alfred Goldstein Rehabilitation/Therapy Center and Rehabilitation Trail for in and outpatient care including the Robert Brown Aquatic Therapy Facility, Assisted Living Facility, The Garden Alzheimer's/dementia Unit, Evalyn Sadlier Jones Child Care Center, Education Institute of Southwest Florida and Fabulous Finds at Pines Thrift Shops.

About Pines Foundation

Pines of Sarasota Foundation is a separate 501(c) (3), established in 1990 as the fundraising arm for Pines of Sarasota. The goal of Pines Foundation is to ensure that the valuable services offered here will continue in perpetuity. Our current projects include reducing the debt on the new skilled nursing facility, which was necessary to meet modern building standards and compliance. We look forward to building a new expanded Alzheimer's/dementia Center while providing for refurbishing and infrastructure improvements. We provide funding for programs and services not covered by any other source, including prosthetics and hearing aids. We are also pleased to offer nursing scholarships for staff members who wish to continue their education.