Based in Colorado Springs, envida (with a small e) has been in business for more than 50 years under a couple of different names. The company rebranded in 2018 under its current name, which means ìtogether in life.î That same year, they moved into Falcon.The organizationís long-term goal is to support people who want to live independently in their own home, and one way to encourage independence is to ensure that people have transportation. Seniors and the disabled are especially benefited by envida.ìWe go above and beyond ADA (Americans for Disability Act) transportation,î said Gail Nehls, chief executive officer of envida.Nehls said the nonprofit organization is funded through federal, state and local entities, private foundations and donations. They do not charge people on Medicaid or the disabled; but for people age 60-plus, they ask for a donation.Persons of any age can take advantage of the program for a fee of $5 one way.Envidaís territories include Ramah, Calhan, Peyton and Falcon, along with Rush, Yoder and Ellicott, including the Freedom Springs veterans center, Nehls said. They have set routes and specific times for transport, but riders can easily get to banks, Safeway, Walmart, the library, etc.They also stop at the Black Forest park ín ride.Nehls said envida has added a new route, from Judge Orr to North Calhan Highway or Ellicott Highway and Judge Orr and Highway 24.Although they have fixed routes, she said they will deviate about 1 mile to pick up people with special needs, and those riders must call ahead to make arrangements. Medicaid recipients must also call ahead, Nehls said.They also have city hubs in Colorado Springs.Envida offers a non-skilled caregiver program for lower income people and Medicaid recipients, Nehls said. They also offer non-skilled private pay services ó non-skilled services refer to activities of daily living.Nehls said they are in need of drivers, especially in the Monument area, as well as home care attendants in general She said they hire drivers who live in the areas they serve, so the drivers are familiar with their routes. They all go through background checks and training.Whether itís a grocery run, a medical appointment, a recreational activity, classes or even work, envida is available. For seniors and people with special needs, envida offers an avenue to maintain independence. For others, itís an inexpensive way to just get somewhere.For more information, visit https://envidacares.orgOffices hours for envida administrative staff are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Transportation can be scheduled from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday.Call 719-633-4677 for information on rides.
