My transportation feasibility study continues! This week, I’ve been working to collect more information on all of the various transportation options that should be considered. In doing this work, I am constantly reminded that our children are very precious cargo! Unfortunately, many transportation vendors simply don’t have the expertise and/or the appropriate vehicles to transport children safely.

In my (hypothetical) search to purchase vehicles, I drove to Canal Winchester and also met with a sales rep from a company near Toledo. The search is on for safe vehicles with competitive (low) pricing!

I’m also investigating the option of outsourcing some transportation, meaning that (at least to some degree) the Homeless Families Foundation may not need to worry about hiring drivers or purchasing vehicles. I’ve gone to several local companies to learn more about their offerings, capabilities, experiences, prices, etc. It has been an interesting search, as there is a wide variety of options to consider.

This week has also included so many more great experiences…

• I attended the joint Grant Professionals (GPA) / Fundraising Professionals (AFP) meeting, which was a great opportunity to learn from many area professionals, including Dorothy Bastian who works here at HFF.
• I spoke with David Norris at OSU’s Kirwan Institute, who was incredibly helpful and encouraging of the approach I am taking on the transportation study.
• Sue Phillips gave me a warm welcome at Directions for Youth & Families where I was able to tour the wonderful Ohio Avenue Youth Center (very impressive!)
• The executive director of Leadership Columbus, Laurie Marsh, gave an engaging and interactive presentation at the Columbus Foundation this morning.

I’m very thankful for all of these experiences. And I’m working hard to deliver a meaningful transportation study for the Dowd Education Center!