BEAUMONT, Texas — An organization in Beaumont has been awarded a $145,000 grant that will help them provide accessible transportation services for veterans in multiple counties.
The grant was awarded to the RISE Center for Independent Living by the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC). This money will allow RISE to provide free essential transportation services to qualifying veterans, surviving spouses and dependents in Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Newton, Orange and Tyler counties.
RISE is dedicated to giving individuals with disabilities a sense of empowerment by providing resources and support for independent living. Their mission is to advocate for accessibility, provide essential services and foster a community that embraces inclusivity.
RISE partners with rideshare companies to ensure that eligible veterans receive access to vital medical appointments and services at no cost.
RISE can help provide veterans' transportation to local or out of town medical appointments, outpatient procedures and picking up medication at pharmacies.
“Here at RISE, we see the effects that transportation barriers have on persons with disabilities, and our veteran population is no different,” says Seth Wells, Executive Director of RISE. “Many veterans, especially those in our most rural areas, miss essential VA or private medical appointments due to the lack of accessible, low-cost transportation services across Southeast Texas. We've already made an impact with our current transportation program, and these funds will extend our ability to expand that positive impact to counties outside of our usual service area."
Veterans who would like to use RISE's transportation services are asked to contact the RISE Center and provide a copy of their DD-214, valid ID, and Texas residence status.
You can contact RISE by calling them at 409-832-2599 or visiting their website, www.risecil.org. You can also visit them at 755 S 11th St. in Beaumont.
