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Pfriem Foundation Donates Vehicles To Kennedy Center Serving Norwalk

TRUMBULL, Conn. -- The Norma F. Pfriem Foundation recently donated two vans and two cars valued at $110,000 to the Kennedy Center in Trumbull, as well as additional funds for general support. 

Six Kennedy Center clients are all smiles as they admire one of four new vehicles donated by the Norma F. Pfriem Foundation, along with Foundation Chair Paul Miller, second from left, and Kennedy Center President Martin Schwartz, fourth from right.

Six Kennedy Center clients are all smiles as they admire one of four new vehicles donated by the Norma F. Pfriem Foundation, along with Foundation Chair Paul Miller, second from left, and Kennedy Center President Martin Schwartz, fourth from right.

Photo Credit: contributed

These vehicles provide transportation to clients in residential services, employment services and students in transitional programs.

Over the past several years, the foundation has provided the Kennedy Center with new vehicles to replace its aging fleet. State funding does not cover the cost of replacement and the foundation's support has been crucial.

"I commend the Kennedy Center for ensuring the success of people with disabilities," said Foundation Chair Paul Miller. "We realize their clients are dependent on transportation. By providing a reliable transportation system, the Kennedy Center clients give back to their community through their jobs and involvement in community-based activities.

"It is nice to know we contribute to an enhanced quality of life for thousands of people in the region."

The Kennedy Center, a nationally accredited, nonprofit, community-based rehabilitation organization, maintains one of the largest private, non-profit transportation systems in Fairfield and New Haven Counties.

It operates a fleet of 172 vehicles, from cars and minivans to cutaway mini-buses that seat 14-22. The fleet puts in over 1.5 million miles annually and provides approximately 125,000 trips per year.

"We are extremely grateful to the Norma F. Pfriem Foundation for its ongoing generosity over the past six years," said Martin Schwartz, president and CEO of the Kennedy Center. "We especially want to thank Paul Miller, chair of this foundation as well as the other Foundation trustees, for recognizing the importance of transportation in meeting the needs of our clients.

"These new vehicles alleviate our high maintenance costs and safety issues associated with older vehicles. In addition, our staff and clients are excited and proud to ride in these new vehicles."

The Kennedy Center serves 2,400 individuals annually. The agency offers a variety of service options to persons with disabilities and special needs, from birth to senior years. It operates 30 community experience programs, 16 group homes, an industries program composed of six businesses, job placement services, a family support and respite service, travel training, and a variety of children's programs.

Kennedy Center transportation services run five days a week, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., plus on an as-needed basis over the weekends for clients who are residents in its 16 group homes or are involved in recreational activities.

In Fairfield County, The Kennedy Center serves nine communities: Bridgeport, Stratford, Trumbull, Fairfield, Easton, Monroe, Shelton, Norwalk and Ridgefield. In New Haven County, the agency services clients in Oxford, Naugatuck, Milford, Orange and New Haven.

For more information, visit its website.

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