About 200 individuals with disabilities participate with Lighthouse Vocational Services (LVS), 144 Orlan Road, New Holland. Of those, 150 require transportation from multiple areas of the county - from Manheim to south of Quarryville. Organizing all those rides to work is Sandy Miller, transportation coordinator for LVS. The organization provides vocational services for individuals with disabilities.

About a year ago, Brian French, LVS director of programs, approached Miller with a request. "He said, 'We are ramping up our program, and we need more cars,'" recalled Miller, who has a connection to Concordville Nissan in Glen Mills. Miller's first move was to purchase three Rogues, but she went on to purchase a total of 12 vehicles to help participants to go into the community to work. "We have received grants for all these vehicles from multiple areas," said Miller, who noted individual in grants of $25,000 helped her to purchase pre-owned certified vehicles. "Concordville Nissan believes in what we do," explained Miller. "They work with us to keep (a vehicle purchase) within our grant budget."

Participants who take part in two LVS programs are driven to community locations to work. "We have Small Group Employment (SGE)," said Miller, who noted that the program takes a group of participants to perform tasks such as cleaning at a local business such as Conestoga Wood Specialties, Signature Custom Cabinetry, or Grocery Outlet Bargain Market. She added that LVS is looking for more local businesses to take part in this program.

A second program is called Community Participation Specialists (CPS). In CPS, participants visit nonprofits such as CrossNet, ReUzit on State in Ephrata, and Unto in Mount Joy. A group of participants called SHINE - Sharing Hope In Neighborly Encounters - makes lasagna in local church kitchens and then delivers meals to area residents who are struggling in some way.

"We need drivers," noted Miller, who added that the ratio of one staff member to three participants is the norm. Drivers may start picking up participants as early as 5:30 a.m. "It's not just driving," noted Miller, who drives participants herself. "(A driver) may have to help the participant in, and buckle the seatbelt," she said. "Some participants do not have the dexterity in their fingers (to fasten the belt)." LVS has two wheelchair buses, as well.

LVS is looking to expand its Strengthening Pathways program, which offers diverse adult education opportunities for the enhancement of individuals' skills and quality of life. "We have a waiting list for participants," said Miller, who added that the vocational rehabilitation program is expanding into Chester County, as well. "Two of the cars travel to Chester (County) to work with participants at jobs," said Miller, whose affinity for the transportation piece is related to her work scheduling vehicles, checking pre-trip inspection reports, scheduling maintenance and inspections, and dealing with mechanical issues.

Readers who would like to learn more about LVS and the many services it offers may visit http://www.lighthousevoc.org. Specific questions may be directed to sandymiller@lighthousevoc.org.