In 1999, a group of concerned North Grenville citizens gathered to address the issue of rural isolation. Being in an area with no public transportation, North Grenville residents, particularly senior citizens and the disabled, can find it difficult to leave their homes and participate in community life. So, with some initial funding and lots of goodwill, they purchased a van and began offering affordable, accessible transportation to those in need in the North Grenville area.

One of the founding members of North Grenville Accessible Transportation (NGAT) was Rosemary Connelly. She is currently in her third year of her presidency. Before becoming President, she was Vice-President of the Board.

In her day job, she is the director of a long term care facility. This experience has made her well aware of the difficulties facing seniors with mobility issues. “The people we are caring for are people who have contributed to society all of their lives and now at their most vulnerable time, without this services, they will be shut-ins,” says Rosemary. This reality serves as motivation for Rosemary to ensure that NGAT succeeds.

Rosemary’s primary goal during her tenure as President has been to attain sustainability. After losing their initial funding, the Board was faced with the challenge of finding support to maintain the service. This threatened their existence. The Board decided to make a plea to the community and they published an article in the local paper describing the situation and asking the community for assistance. There was a huge community response, which allowed the organization to stay afloat.

Her strength as a leader is in her ability to recognize the potential in others. “It’s a ten person show, not a one man show,” states Rosemary. She believes it is important to discover each member’s skill set and allow people to find their niche and take ownership of a project.

The personal rewards for Rosemary have been great. She frequently receives letters from clients or clients’ children, thanking the organization for the difference they have made in their lives. “The mobility-impaired can now participate. We are enhancing their quality of life.”

NGAT has recently become a member agency of United Way. Not only has this helped substantially with sustainability, but it has also developed an awareness of the agency and the transportation issues within the community. “Support came at a critical time. Having United Way step up to the plate made a statement to the community. The municipality is now also supporting us. The board now has the energy needed to go on.” Your support to United Way is critical if United Way is to be able to continue to provide funding to vital agencies like NGAT. United Way stepped up to the plate, will you?