Bus service helps riders maintain independence

To Terri Hain of Whitefish, Eagle Transit represents a way to maintain her independence.

Hain, who has a hereditary condition called retinitis pigmentosa, is legally blind and her sight has deteriorated as she has gotten older.

She cant see to read or drive, but is able to live on her own partly due to the Eagle Transit buses that operate throughout the Flathead Valley. The buses are available to everyone for a nominal fee, but are especially helpful for people who cant drive or dont have access to transportation.

Eagle Transit is one of the 26 agencies and services that receive financial support from the local United Way fundraising campaign, which continues through Dec. 31.

Hain grew up in Lewistown and moved to the Flathead Valley in 1986. Until she learned about Eagle Transit, she had to depend on friends for rides or take a taxi for medical appointments, shopping and other errands.

When I first moved to town it was rough for the first several years, because I hadnt heard of Eagle Transit, Hain said. I had to dig up rides when I could. Eagle Transit makes everyday living a lot easier, to get everything done without having to impose on other people for rides.

The bus service has meant independence gained back again, Hain said.

After a friend told her about Eagle Transit, she called and inquired about the service. Shes found a new independence, and has forged new friendships.

They started picking me up, and I didnt know what to expect, but its great. At last, I can get where I need to go and when I need to go, she said.

Now, three times a week, she has access to bus service in Whitefish, allowing her to take care of the business of daily life without having to depend on friends for rides or use expensive taxi services.

The bus service also allows her to socialize with her friends.

Sometimes we get together and go to lunch, something we wouldnt otherwise get to do, she said.

Once a month, the bus goes to Kalispell for an afternoon.

That helps us find a greater variety of things for cheaper prices, of course, she said. It helps us to socialize with our friends on the bus, too.

The bus generally drops them off at Wal-Mart for a couple of hours of shopping, followed by refreshments and conversation at the in-store McDonalds.

The Eagle Transit riders really appreciate United Way helping fund Eagle Transit, because to us, United Way and Eagle Transit are lifesavers, she said. A lot of people cant drive any more. Theyre so tickled to have the bus service.

Eagle Transit is one of many programs that benefit from United Way money.

The theme of this years fund-raising campaign is Give. Advocate. Volunteer. Live United and the monetary goal is $1 million. So far, the fundraising effort has reached $317,719, or almost 32 percent of the goal.

Last year, United Way member agencies helped nearly 57,000 people in need. Ninety-nine percent of all money raised stays in local communities to help local residents.

Donors may choose how to donate, including cash, payroll deductions, charging to a credit card, direct bill, or through an automatic bank transfer.

Donors also may designate which member agencies or non-affiliated partner agencies or the Montana Shares Federation they want to receive their gift.

For more information on the United Way campaign, call 752-7266.