Lifetime Resources asks Jefferson County for $20,000 to support Catch‑a‑Ride services

Michelle Bridal, director for Catch‑a‑Ride at Lifetime Resources, asked the Jefferson County Council for $20,000 to help match federal and state funding streams and sustain local public transportation for older adults and people with disabilities. Bridal said that $20,000 represents 1.58% of Jefferson County’s $1,300,000 budget and emphasized that the service provides trips for medical appointments, work, grocery shopping, and other needs.

Bridal described the organization as one of 16 area agencies on aging in the state and said recent state changes will end some Medicaid waiver case‑management duties for area agencies — a change that has prompted questions about service continuity. She said funding would be used to match federal and state programs and maintain services that help people remain in their homes rather than enter nursing facilities (noting an average nursing facility cost cited at more than $8,900 per month).

Council members thanked Bridal for the explanation and invited follow‑up if additional budget details were needed; no action was taken at the meeting.