Transportation

Okay, here’s another “hard” one – reliable transportation.

First off, let me admit that I have severe anxiety when it comes to driving. So much so that I got my permit but was never able to pass the driver’s test. Now (maybe in part due to this anxiety), I’m not allowed to drive (yes, my physician stated it was safer if I don’t).

However, when I had my babies, I bought a car. I thought maybe I could learn to drive it for them. My anxiety prevented that from happening, but that started my journey into needing reliable transportation.

Sure, Medicaid will pay to go to/from the doctor’s office. Some states, some cities, have a job-transport program where you pay $2.50-$5 (each way) to get a ride to work.

When I lived in Tennessee, I met MUMs. They offered transportation – and they had licensed, insured drivers who volunteered.

We want a similar program here. Need to take your child to daycare before heading in to work? No problem. Need to have a trusted adult transport your child from school to the daycare center? (We’re talking that one over – do we want to be responsible for your child if you’re not with him/her?) Need to get to work?

 

What are your thoughts? Would this be helpful or cause more problems? What about insurance needs? Would we need to have a contract for clients to sign stating that you would not hold us liable for any accidents? Tell us what you think about this possible program.

***No child will be transported without a proper car seat or restraint system.***

Why LYDIA, pt 3

Thank you for your interest in LYDIA, Inc.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! It’s a day of green – in many ways……

Many people have asked me what my vision is for LYDIA. I want to post a brief overview of the current programs (which you can find out more about by visiting our website and going to “Programs we Offer”)….But I’ll expand on the programs in detail in future posts.

Firstly, our job-training program. We want to have a bookstore and cafe – why a retail store? Why a bookstore? Honestly? Because I love reading. I’ll talk more about this store at length in our post on the Book Lounge. Why a cafe? Because everyone has to eat and I love to cook. There’s some good news in store for our clients, too. Partnerships with local area businesses, possibly including a grant match type situation.

Our job-skills training will match mentors with clients who want to learn hands-on trade and/or encourage clients who attend trade or vocation school.

Our child-care solutions will approach child-care needs in a 3-fold approach.

Transportation will be volunteer-based/driven.

Youth programs will include tutoring, drama teams, and band nights.

There is, of course, so much more we want to do and offer. But we want to hear from you, our community.

 

 

 

Why LYDIA? pt 2

In each state we’ve lived, we’ve had a bit of LYDIA going. But when I learned about Santa Fe, I knew that this would be our home. We moved out here in 2013 – it was our best decision yet.

sun over Santa Fe

In 2013, I decided to volunteer at Care Net, our local crisis pregnancy and parent education organization. Check them out, over on Fifth Street. (Don’t tell them I sent you!) While at Care Net, I met teen parents, young couples, struggling parents, pregnant moms with multiple children, those who were having their second babies…..and they all had more than their pregnancies in common. Some had no jobs. Some had jobs and were still fighting to make ends meet. Some of the partner parents were also struggling – making minimum wage, talking about giving up on their plans and dreams….because any money at least means they can provide for their families.

I left Care Net late 2014, but had an official separation in 2015 due to medical reasons. I also filed LYDIA, Inc. (Summit International) with the State in Spring of 2015. We made our announcement then – we’re legitimately in New Mexico!

nm state seal

With much discussion between us and the Board of Directors, we have decided to offer the following current programs:

Life coaching – Emma Shows and Dr. Michael Commini are both certified life coaches. David Commini is a peer mentor, having undergone training through the U.S. Army. This program includes “brining balance to the mind, body, soul, and spirit” by addressing emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental needs. Includes: self-hypnosis and meditation instruction. ***Life coaching is NOT therapy.***

Life skills classes – workshops, blog articles, video posts, and more to come.

Business apparel clothes closet – which we originally called our Dress for Success program in 2007.

Non-medical case management – helping families who receive services from local area organizations connect with other programs, maintain records, provide weekly accountability, and more.

 

In part three, we’ll discuss future and potential programs.