Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc.’s numerous programs and services serve thousands of individuals in our local communities and throughout Minnesota and even into North Dakota. The programs also work together to ensure their volunteers can get to those who utilize them.
A perfect example of this is the collaboration between Tri-Valley’s Transportation Program and its Senior Programs. Neither Foster Grandparents Renee nor Delores has their driver’s licenses. Grandma Renee has her drivers permit and Grandma Delores grew up on the Canadian side of Lake of the Woods and used a boat for transportation but never a car. T.H.E. Bus picks both Foster Grandmas up and transports them to the schools they volunteer at. “It has been an excellent experience,” says Grandma Renee. “The drivers and dispatchers are very friendly,” she states. “Grandma Delores adds, “They are always here when I need them, the drivers are friendly and there are no problems.” The cohesion between programs like the Transportation Program and Senior Programs not only benefit the volunteers and allows them to continue volunteering, but helps the recipients of the services, like the school aged children who are able to learn from the volunteers lifetime of experience and wisdom. Grandma Renee rides T.H.E. Bus to the Seventh Day Adventist School and to St. Bernards. Grandma Delores rides T.H.E. Bus to Challenger Elementary School, all in Thief River Falls.
To learn more about any of Tri-Valley’s programs and services please call toll-free 1-800-584-7020 or locally 218-281-5832.
The Foster Grandparent Program is a program that provides opportunities for volunteers to work with one of our most valuable resources – today’s children and youth. By serving in settings that range from classrooms to non-profit day care centers, etc., Foster Grandparents lend their time, skill, and life experiences to assist our children in reaching their potential – academically, behaviorally, developmentally.
T.H.E. Bus is a curb to curb service and provides public transportation services to the general public in seven Minnesota counties, Polk, Red Lake, Norman, Marshall, Kittson, Pennington and Clearwater. Buses run through these counties on various days with various destinations. Tri-Valley public transit buses are available with no age limits or income guidelines.