When Cathy first rear-ended another vehicle with her car, it was more than just a fender bender. It was a wake-up call—a moment of realization that her days behind the wheel were over. The decision to stop driving didn’t come easy for Cathy, a resident at Lake Ridge Assisted Living in Buffalo, Minnesota.

“If you need something to bake or make, it’s hard not just jumping into a car,” Cathy shares. “It’s very hard. I like to be very independent.”

Just a block away at Park View Assisted Living, Una faced her own turning point years ago. As much as she cherished the open road, the increasing risks made the choice inevitable.

“Giving up my independence was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do,” she admits quietly.

For both women—and so many residents like them—the transition to life without a car was a profound shift, one that could have meant the end of their independence. But thanks to a shared bus between Lake Ridge and Park View, the story didn’t end there.

The Joys a Bus Can Bring

The bus wasn’t just a vehicle—it was a lifeline. It meant trips to the grocery store, dinner outings, and excursions that reignited the joy of adventure.

“We were able to participate in so many things,” Una recalls, her face lighting up.

For Cathy, the bus was a window to the wider world—a way to stay connected, to feel part of something beyond the walls of her residence. Each ride brought laughter, camaraderie, and a renewed sense of purpose.

But over time, even the most reliable lifelines can fray.

The Struggles of a Well-Worn Bus

Affectionately nicknamed “Harley” by residents and staff, the aging bus was a character in its own right—loud, temperamental, and increasingly unreliable.

“The air conditioner quit and they were having some problems with it,” Una says.

Each mechanical failure was another roadblock to freedom, each canceled trip a disappointment for residents who had come to cherish their time on the road.

Something had to be done.

Driven by Generosity

When the call went out for donations to replace the bus, something incredible happened.

Families, businesses, churches, and residents themselves rallied together, raising more than $93,000.

Una was among the first to step up, donating out of gratitude for the joy the bus had brought her. But as the fundraising poster seemed to inch forward too slowly, she felt compelled to do more.

“That’s when I gave the bigger one,” Una says with a determined smile.

Residents didn’t just donate—they became advocates, reaching out to friends and family, sharing stories of what the bus meant to them.

Every gift carried the weight of love and hope, often given in memory of someone cherished.

A Celebration of Independence

When the goal was finally reached, it wasn’t just a victory—it was a triumph of community spirit. The day the new bus arrived, anticipation filled the air as residents, staff, family members and donors gathered outside. All eyes turned to the road, waiting for the moment they had all worked toward.

The bus made a grand entrance, with Lake Ridge activity director Tammy Scherr at the wheel, celebratory beats pumping from a bus-themed playlist curated by Chaplain Joel Pike. As the crowd erupted into cheers, the atmosphere was electric with joy and pride.

Grateful remarks were shared, celebrating the community’s achievement, and Pastor Joel led a heartfelt prayer of blessing over the bus, inviting everyone to extend their hands in unity. With pomp and circumstance, the ribbon was cut, signaling a new chapter of freedom and connection for the residents.

Toasts followed as sparkling cider flutes were passed around.

“We toasted it and everything, and took pictures with it,” Cathy recalls with a smile. “It was nice. It’s hard to explain how happy we are.”

Excitement filled the air as people lined up to tour the new bus, snapping photos to commemorate the occasion. Laughter and gratitude abounded, weaving through the crowd as everyone celebrated the incredible generosity that made it all possible.

The new bus wasn’t just a replacement—it was a testament to the power of community, the resilience of its residents, and the kindness of donors who understood the value of independence.

More Stories, More Journeys

The impact of donor-supported transportation doesn’t end at Park View and Lake Ridge. Across Cassia communities, buses and special vehicles have changed lives, creating connections, adventures, and moments of joy that might otherwise have been out of reach.

Thanks to generous supporters like Una, Cathy, and countless others, residents across Cassia continue to have the world at their fingertips. Because independence doesn’t have to end with the keys—it can live on, powered by the kindness of a community.