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DaimlerChrysler Donates Funds to Help Keep Senior Citizens Independent

9 February 2000

DaimlerChrysler Donates Funds to Help Keep Senior Citizens Independent

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 8 -- Remaining independent and
mobile often becomes an issue as people begin to age and can no longer drive.
Independence for Life (IFL) aims to combat the isolation and dependence that
often comes with lack of mobility.  IFL, a nonprofit organization, provides
the transportation resources to senior citizens so they may remain active,
mobile and productive within their communities.
    For the second year, DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund has donated $100,000
toward IFL's Senior Courtesy Van Program -- to contribute to the well-being of
senior citizens and thriving communities.  The proceeds will be used toward
purchasing new vans and wheelchair-lift equipment.
    "The DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund's mission is to provide support for
organizations that enrich the physical and cultural needs of our communities,"
said Jim Holden, President -- DaimlerChrysler Corporation.  "We support
Independence for Life because it is a well-managed, effective organization
that provides safe, affordable transportation to enable senior citizens to
maintain their mobility.  Independence for Life's program is a natural
complement to the mission of the DaimlerChrysler Fund."
    Currently, IFL operates a fleet of 90 vans.
    Since 1986, when the organization was founded, IFL has provided over 275
vehicles to other nonprofit organizations.  Most organizations keep the
vehicles a maximum of five years or 100,000 miles.
    The Senior Courtesy Van Program provides vehicles to nonprofit
organizations to transport senior citizens.  Nearly 70 of the vehicles are
wheelchair-lift equipped.  Senior citizens who have the service in their area
use it for transportation to grocery and drug stores, financial institutions,
medical, educational and recreational facilities and to volunteer employment.
IFL Transportation is free, although organizations ask for a small donation of
$2.
    To qualify for the Senior Courtesy Van Program, organizations must be a
501(c)(3) organization, in business at least three years, have stable funding,
a minimum of 50 senior citizens to service and demonstrate the ability to
operate a transportation program.
    IFL provides transportation to organizations such as the Jewish Federation
Apartments, Latino Family Services, the City of Detroit Housing Department,
St. Pat's Senior Center, Downtown Senior Center (Detroit), White Lake (Mich.)
Township, municipalities including Oak Park, Southfield, Roseville and
Pontiac, and to communities throughout Michigan.