By Connie Weight cweight@nebraska.tv Twitter @ntvconnieweight
At a time when some nursing homes are facing budget cuts, one is taking a proactive approach to getting reliable transportation.
Kearney's Mount Carmel Home is in need of a new bus. Their current one is 12 years old, has over 100 thousand miles and has had extensive repairs to the air conditioner and lift.
They've applied for a grant, but need an additional $11,000 to purchase one. Even with budget constraints, officials say it's time.
"Most of our elders here are on Medicare or Medicaid, and it's really with all the cuts they've done, it's hard for us just to have the funds and do those things," said Mount Carmel Home's Gwen Jacobitz. "And so by raising the money and applying for grants we're able to do the things we want to do to still keep our elders out and about in the community."
It's used not only for medical visits in and out of town, but special events for its daycare and elders as well.
"It also keeps their mind going when they know they're able to get out to go and do something. It gives them something to look forward to and then it also keeps them active, I believe, by getting out and doing things like that," Gwen Jacobitz said.
A special fundraising concert featuring Elvis impersonator Joseph Hall will be at 7pm on June 30th at Kearney Senior High School.
REPORTER'S NOTES: Officials will not hear about the grant until July, and other smaller fundraisers from things like enchilada sales are being done to help for the purchase of the new bus.
Call Mount Carmel Home at 308-237-2287 for ticket information about the Joseph Hall Elvis fundraiser in Kearney on June 30th.
