Duane “Woody” Wooden as soon as noticed how a bus driver’s kindness — a beneficiant angle and the present of a blanket — touched his father throughout his dialysis therapies. That impressed him to later turn into a By way of Mobility Companies driver.
“I needed to provide again to the group and I simply wish to assist folks,” he mentioned. “My career is to like folks and that’s what I attempt to do.”
Along with his work driving for By way of Mobility Companies, Woody helps folks in Boulder County (and different areas) keep linked and unbiased. On these buses, folks dealing with mobility challenges and people dwelling in rural areas discover accessibility and connection.
The Boulder-based nonprofit, a choose employer group at Elevations, has been serving to riders acquire independence and alternatives for elevated engagement each on the bus and within the wider world for over 40 years.
Kari Lapenes, a supervisor operations specialist, mentioned By way of Mobility Companies is “like a coronary heart for…folks with totally different skills.”
Past transit for folks with mobility challenges, the nonprofit has been working with RTD’s FlexRide since 2000 and is contracted to drive for Boulder’s HOP, a public bus, and shuttles like Park-to-Park for Chatauqua amongst a number of others. They’ve additionally supplied shuttles for a homeless shelter and “second-response” evacuation transit.
As a driver, connecting with passengers, who might have been extra remoted due to mobility challenges, is Woody’s precedence. Like many drivers on the nonprofit, he seeks to spice up their spirits and feels the rewards of these interactions in return. As soon as, he broke a brand new pill when he backed his seat into it by accident. After having turn into cranky in consequence, he picked up a passenger from a dialysis appointment with a sunny demeanor.
“It actually modified my outlook on life and issues that appear vital that aren’t,” he mentioned. “Clearly, I already knew what was vital and what was not, however this simply actually introduced it to mild at that minute and it was very rewarding.”
A couple of favourite moments and recollections of By way of Mobility Companies staff members:
- Choosing up one rider who’s all the time singing as she boards
- Passengers serving to each other and bonding
- Seeing a passenger’s temper change after interacting with these on the bus
- Listening to the music from the Chatauqua whereas driving previous because it turns darkish
- Watching the attractive surroundings through the path to Lyons
- Listening to a 94-year-old rider paratransit rider’s grandson say “Thanks” for serving to his grandmother go to the senior heart each time she needs.
Throughout instances of hardship, By way of Mobility Companies has linked with the bigger group. After the King Sooper’s capturing in 2021, their headquarters have been open for these affected to collect and join.
“It’s received a bit of group on wheels generally certainly,” Woody mentioned.
As a “second responder,” By way of Mobility Companies has helped with free evacuation transport in instances of wildfires, floods and the current assault on Pearl Road, following the route of the Workplace of Catastrophe Administration.
Throughout the Marshall Fireplace, drivers put themselves in hurt’s approach to assist evacuate folks and pets. LaPenes, then a brand new driver, was contemplating leaving the state as a result of her residence was near the fireplace. CEO Frank Bruno, who can also be the previous Boulder metropolis supervisor, organized for a protected place the place she and her canine might keep out of hurt’s approach.
“We’re right here for the group. We reinvest locally,” Bruno mentioned. “The income stays right here, the wages keep right here, the dedication to group stays.”
By way of Mobility Companies works intently with close by cities and counties to be taught locals’ wants and considerations, adapting their routes to handle any considerations in regards to the routes. The identical angle goes in direction of staff in serving to enhance the group.
General, the tradition of the staff is generosity and kindness in direction of the Boulder group.
“I’ve all the time had this concept that you might want to look after folks no matter who they’re,” Woody mentioned.
