To: Board of Supervisors
From: Ken Carlson, District IV Supervisor
Report Title: Resolution recognizing Elaine Welch for twenty years of exceptional leadership, dedication, and service through Mobility Matters.
Recommendation: Recommendation of the County Administrator
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT Resolution recognizing Elaine Welch for twenty years of exceptional service through Mobility Matters
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
BACKGROUND:
See Resolution text
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
None
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
and for Special Districts, Agencies and Authorities Governed by the Board
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IN THE MATTER OF recognizing Elaine Welch for twenty years of exceptional leadership, dedication, and service through Mobility Matters.
WHEREAS, twenty years ago, Elaine Welch, a retired Kaiser nurse, heard from her clients that the lack of reliable transportation was among the greatest barriers to aging safely and independently in their homes and communities; and
WHEREAS, recognizing this critical need, Elaine Welch went to the then-existing Contact Care Helpline organization and founded Mobility Matters, an organization dedicated to providing unique, door-through-door, free transportation services to seniors and, more recently, disabled veterans throughout Contra Costa County; and
WHEREAS, Mobility Matters volunteers provide far more than transportation. They accompany members to medical appointments, grocery stores, and pharmacies, remaining by their side to provide assistance, companionship, and support throughout the accepted assignment; and
WHEREAS, Mobility Matters serves individuals who require the extra door-through-door assistance and personal support that cannot be provided by autonomous vehicle rides or many traditional community transportation programs; and
WHEREAS, as Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Elaine Welch has personally led virtually every aspect of Mobility Matters, building the organization from its inception and dedicating two decades of extraordinary service to improving the lives of vulnerable members of the community; and
WHEREAS, the extraordinary impact of Mobility Matters is reflected in its accomplishments, including:
• Providing 91,206 rides to date, with that number continuing to grow;
• Providing approximately 140 rides each week;
• Serving more than 500 members, with an average age of 80, including 10 members who are over 100 years old; and
• Engaging approximately 200 volunteer drivers who generously give their time, compassion, and service to their neighbors; and
WHEREAS, Elaine Welch was inspired and raised by her mother with a lifelong determination to do her best for others, and she has carried that principle throughout her professional life with determination, compassion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to service; and
WHEREAS, through Mobility Matters, Elaine Welch embodies the profound importance of stepping forward to address societal challenges, empowering others to serve, and strengthening our communities through the simple but powerful principle of neighbors helping neighbors; and
WHEREAS, for twenty years of extraordinary leadership, compassion, innovation, and service, Elaine Welch has made an enduring difference in the lives of thousands of seniors and disabled veterans throughout Contra Costa County and has enriched the entire community through her example of selfless service;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors hereby recognize and honor Elaine Welch for twenty years of exceptional leadership, dedication, and service through Mobility Matters.
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