CRESTVIEW — Julie Voiles and Crestview Manor’s other 61 residents will be getting to doctor’s appointments, shopping trips and church easier and cheaper thanks to the assisted living facility receiving a van.
The wheelchair lift-equipped Chevrolet Express with a custom raised roof was presented Tuesday morning by the Rev. Alan Kilgore and representatives of First Baptist Church of Crestview.
See photos of Crestview Manor's new van presentation>>
The church, which is practically across Hickory Street from the Manor, ministers to Manor residents, with chaplains conducting on-site worship services and Sunday school classes.
“They have had a major problem here in that they do not have transportation to take the people to doctor’s appointments or other places,” chaplain and Sunday school teacher the Rev. Joe Sharpe said.
Sharpe said residents, most of whom live on a $54 monthly allowance, have to hire taxis or rely on Manor staff members who use their own cars to drive them to appointments.
“It’s very hard for people on fixed incomes,” Sharpe said. “There are people here who haven’t been to dentist’s appointments in a long time. The Lord has made it possible to donate this van.”
Crestview Manor director Becky Brice-Nash couldn’t stop smiling and praising the church as she accepted the license plate and keys to the van.
“This is just so exciting,” she said. “It’s got a wheelchair lift and everything. We’re finally going to be able to take people places. We’ve never had (resident transportation) at Crestview Manor before.”
“This is a real miracle for us,” resident Dennis Green said. “A blessing from God, that’s what it is.”
“A real blessing,” resident Latricia Schrag echoed.
Resident Julie Voiles volunteered to be the first to try out the wheelchair lift. Sharpe and the Rev. Larry Ewerds, also a Manor chaplain, manipulated the remote as Voiles was lifted gently level with the van floor.
“That was neat!” she said as she was lowered safely back to the ground.
“The reality is, these folks are very poor and their resources are very limited,” Sharpe said. “This van will make a big difference in their lives.”
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'A real blessing': Church's van donation will help Manor residents’ mobility