By Jalen Maki

Tomahawk Leader Co-Editor

TOMAHAWK – The Tomahawk Area Interfaith Volunteers (TAIV) have received a $22,100 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) to be used for operating costs of the non-profit’s transportation service it provides for elderly and disabled people in the community.

On Dec. 18, Governor Tony Evers announced that 62 agencies in urban and rural areas, including TAIV, received awards totaling $5,128,447 in federal and state funds to enhance and support local transportation options for Wisconsin seniors and individuals with disabilities. The funds assist local public entities and private, non-profit agencies providing specialized transportation services. Many of the grant recipients serve smaller communities in rural areas, a release from the DOT said.

“This will be the fifth year the Tomahawk Area Interfaith Volunteers has received this grant from the DOT to support the operating costs of the transportation service and wheelchair-accessible van that is offered to our community seniors and those with disabilities,” said TAIV Program Director Joan Litwitz. “The process for applying for this grant is time consuming, but worth it.”

The transportation service through TAIV assists those who need help with grocery shopping, banking, salon appointments, going to the Tomahawk Senior Center for meals, medical appointments and social activities.

Litwitz noted that an encouraging aspect of the application process is that TAIV has to seek support from the community to meet the 20% match required to receive the grant.

“We have to show that we are invested as well. We have a very supportive community and dedicated group of volunteers,” she stated.

TAIV volunteers drove upwards of 29,000 miles over the course of more than 1,400 rides and provided over 2,200 volunteer hours in 2019, Litwitz added.