What We Do
We make a difference…one subsidized ride at a time. But it’s about so much more than a bus ride.
TRAIL provides transportation for adults with developmental disabilities living in Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina and Richfield. We solely transport our riders to recreation, leisure and educational programs offered by Adaptive Recreation & Learning Exchange (AR&LE). All programs are specifically designed to meet the needs of people with developmental disabilities, providing the independence to enrich their lives, mentally, creatively and socially.
For many, this is their only realistic transportation option, providing the independence to learn, socialize and truly be a part of their community. TRAIL removes the cost and burden of public transportation or having to rely on someone else to physically get them to their AR&LE programs.
Need some numbers? Prior to COVID-19, TRAIL provided over 1,300 individual rides to 200 AR&LE events annually!
Who We Serve
Each of our riders has to check these boxes in order to qualify for TRAIL:
- TRAIL serves adults age 22and older living in Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina and Richfield.
- Riders must be living in independent/semi-independent living situations.
- Each applicant will be evaluated on an individual basis. Further clarification of circumstances may be requested. TRAIL is currently unable to accept new rider applications.
How It Works
Based on an annual budget set by TRAIL’s board of directors, TRAIL grants a set number of ride requests to AR&LE programs. Riders then register for TRAIL rides to specific programs through AR&LE. Rider lists are sent to our transportation provider to be routed for transportation, and phone calls are made to riders with their pick-up times. Transportation drivers provide door-through-door service, escorting each rider to ensure a safe ride from the door of their residence to the door of the AR&LE program. When the program is completed, riders are picked up and returned home.
How We’re Funded
TRAIL is a Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofit service organization, entirely funded by donations, grants and annual fundraising events. Without our donors, we would not exist. TRAIL is incredibly grateful for the generosity of individuals, service organizations and the fundraising efforts of our Board of Directors.
