Marshall County Council on Aging Looking to Expand Services in Culver

Culver Town Council Members Ed Pinder, Ralph Winters, Ginny Bess, Sally Ricciardi
Culver Town Board Members (from left to right) Ed Pinder, Ralph Winters, Ginny Bess, Sally Ricciardi

Jackie Wright from the Council on Aging in Marshall County appeared before the town council yesterday evening to discuss the possibility of expanding services in Culver.

“We were primarily looking at getting awareness out, and what type of services might be to enhance the transportation for people who don’t drive in the Culver area,” said Wright.

The Council on Aging currently provides public transportation for the county. They also provide meals, and file Medicare, as well as a number of other services for seniors, the disabled, and the general public. There is currently transportation provided on Wednesdays in Culver, but it is not used much. Wright feels that if the area were made more aware of the services provided, there would be an increase in the use of their services and the possibility of expansion could become a reality.

A survey to see if residents would be interested in these services is expected to take place in the future. The Council on Aging is currently funded through state and federal funds, and expansion could be funded by INDOT, but that would require a dollar-for-dollar match. Anyone over 60 in the Culver area that needs transportation to see a physician anywhere in the state can receive a free ride from the Council on Aging. While donations are encouraged, they are not required. If transportation is requested elsewhere, the cost is $1 to be picked up, and $1 for every stop requested.