To help people stay in their homes as long as possible” is how Gail Nehls, CEO of envida, described the goal of her organization.
To accomplish that goal, envida provides transportation and in-home care services to residents of eastern El Paso County, particularly elderly and disabled individuals.
Nehls said envida’s transportation service recently expanded to include Ramah. Riders can now travel from Ramah eastward to the Mountain Metro Transit hub in Colorado Springs. Stops include King Soopers and Walmart in Falcon, the Black Forest Park and Ride, St. Francis Medical Center and UCHealth Memorial Hospital North. Transportation service is also available from Ellicott, Calhan, Yoder, Rush and Falcon. Routes run Monday through Friday, two or three times per day, Nehls said.
People can use envida’s services for shopping or medical appointments, and some even rely on the service to commute daily to work, Nehls said.
Envida vans are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. With advance arrangements, drivers may deviate from regular routes to pick up riders with disabilities. Drivers are hired from the areas they serve, ensuring familiarity with local routes.
There is no charge for Medicaid recipients, who must call ahead to schedule services. Donations are suggested for other riders, Nehls said.
Funding comes from federal, state and local sources, as well as private donations. Specific routes and schedules are available at envidacares.org. The website also includes a video explaining how to install a phone app that allows riders to book trips. Nehls encourages riders to check the website for route changes or weather-related cancellations. Transportation information is also available by calling (719) 633-4677 from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Envida also offers homemaking and nonmedical personal care services through Medicaid. Clients may choose their own caregiver, including a family member. Family caregivers make up 90% of envida’s staff, according to the organization’s website.
Envida has operated for more than 50 years under various names. Additional information, including eligibility requirements and how to apply for Medicaid, is available on the organization’s website.
