Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 17 N OV E M B E R 2 , 2 0 2 0 L O G I S T I C S / T R A N S P O R TAT I O N shuttles and ride-shares, important not only for existing employees but a potential recruitment tool, says the nonprofit's executive director and CEO, Jason Parent. e organization also plans to work collaboratively on a Department of Health and Human Services program called Working Cars for Working Families. Still in rulemak- ing, the program's goal is to con- nect eligible families lacking reliable transportation with affordable cars and other transportation options to facilitate their ability to work and meet basic needs. "Given the lack of public trans- portation in vast geographic regions of Maine, including in Aroostook County, reliable transportation is critical to accessing employment and ultimately lessening the need for reli- ance on public benefits," says Jackie Farwell, communications director for Health and Human Services. Additionally, says Parent, ACAP is working on a collaborative grant with AR Gould Memorial Hospital to assist its patients in getting to appointments. "We also work with a number of their patients, referred to us by providers through a comprehensive service deliv- ery partnership, on a multitude of social determinants of health including hous- ing, heat, food security and transporta- tion, to name a few," Parent says. Making do Kamm says the folks of Aroostook County are pretty resourceful and usu- ally able to make do. But he's concerned that initiatives to date, to fill transporta- tion gaps, are piecemeal. "What I hear as a transportation planner is that we need a strong public transportation system," says Kamm. "But I'm not entirely sure anyone can say what that system looks like." He adds, "e ability to have reliable and consistent transportation is essential for businesses. ey need to know their employees can get there, and employees need to know they can get there." Says Benson, "If you've always had transportation, it's hard to understand not having it. Living without a vehicle and managing your life at the behest of a bus schedule or your friend or neighbor or parent. It's tough." Laurie Schreiber, Mainebiz senior writer, can be reached at lschreiber @ mainebiz.biz get to know the At Norway Savings, our Asset Management Group believes in Family Asset Management. Simply put, it means we do right by you and your loved ones. More than an advisor, as a fiduciary we will help you manage your wealth by putting your interests first. Every family has a story. Let us help you write your next chapter. FAM 207. 482.7920 | NorwaySavings.bank FAMILY ASSET MANAGEMENT I N V E S T M E N T M A N AG E M E N T • T R U S T S E RV I C E S • FI N A N C I A L A DV I C E • E S TAT E P L A N N I N G Not FDIC Insured • No Bank Guarantee • May Lose Value Reliable public transportation is considered an essential to part of getting the workforce to companies in Aroostook County. F O C U S P H O T O / F R E D F I E L D

• Cover