VENICE, Fla. — Last month, Village On The Isle, Venice’s only faith-based, not-for-profit continuing care retirement community, donated an eight-passenger bus to the Loveland Village, a nonprofit that provides educational, vocational and residential programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Village on the Isle’s local board of trustees unanimously approved the donation. The contribution of this bus will allow the Loveland Village’s students and residents to access community amenities and programming off campus.
“Our purpose is not only about making a positive impact on those we serve at Village On The Isle but also our local community,” said Joel Anderson, the CEO of Village On The Isle. “Loveland is a very deserving organization, accomplishing their mission since 1962. Their heartfelt programs and services need our support, and we are proud of them.”
The Loveland Village’s services and programs are provided through the nonprofit’s student-first philosophy and help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live their lives to the fullest. These educational, vocational and residential programs offer opportunities to learn new skills, provide a diverse set of life experiences and grow with the individual’s changing goals.
“Community integration is a core principle of the services we provide,” said Daniela Koci, president and CEO of the Loveland Village. “To provide opportunities for students and residences to be active within their community, safe transportation is crucial, and we are thankful for this generous donation from Village on the Isle.”
The bus is part of a bigger initiative for Loveland Village to update its vehicles in order to continue to grow community engagement opportunities for the individuals served. Currently, the organization provides group transportation for those who live at the Detert Residences and students in the Adult Day Training program. Trips include local community festivals, T-REC Coalition of Sarasota County’s activities and Loveland Follies trips to Venice Theatre.
About Loveland Village
Established in 1962, the Loveland Village strives to help adults with developmental disabilities live their lives to the fullest. The nonprofit was founded by a group of parents who sought to provide a productive and safe place for adults with developmental disabilities. Loveland Village provides educational programs and vocational training for individuals with developmental disabilities. For more information, visit www.LovelandCenter.org or call 941-493-0016.