Balance Receives $43,000 Grant to Replace Aging Van

Balance is excited to announce that we have received a $43,000 grant from the Melitta S. and Joan M. Pick Charitable Trust to replace one of our aging vans.

Reliable transportation is essential to fulfilling our mission of partnering with and supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live fully, connect deeply, and thrive in their communities. Every day, our vans transport participants to volunteer opportunities, recreational outings, appointments, educational activities, local businesses, parks, community events, and countless experiences that foster independence, inclusion, and meaningful connections.

For the people we support, transportation is much more than getting from one place to another—it is the bridge to opportunity. It makes it possible to build friendships, develop new skills, maintain healthy lifestyles, and actively participate in the communities they call home.

As one of our existing vans has aged and accumulated significant mileage, replacing it has become a critical need. This generous grant from the Melitta S. and Joan M. Pick Charitable Trust ensures that our participants will continue to have safe, dependable transportation for years to come.

"Our programs are built around community inclusion," said Rebecca Jackson, CEO of Balance. "Whether someone is volunteering, attending a class, enjoying a local festival, or simply exploring a new place, transportation makes those experiences possible. We are incredibly grateful to the Melitta S. and Joan M. Pick Charitable Trust for helping us continue to open doors to opportunity every single day."

The new van will support participants across several Balance programs, including Adult Day Services, Children's Recreation Programs, and our residential services. It will allow staff to safely transport participants to community activities while reducing maintenance costs and improving the reliability of our fleet.

At Balance, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a full and connected life. This investment helps ensure that transportation never becomes a barrier to participation, independence, or belonging.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Melitta S. and Joan M. Pick Charitable Trust for their generous support and for believing in our mission. Their investment will have a lasting impact on the lives of the children and adults we serve, helping us continue to create opportunities for growth, connection, and community every day.