Getting Around
Transportation is a vital issue for many residents in Pontiac, presenting significant barriers to accessing essential services, especially in education and health. Over 19% of households in Pontiac lack access to a vehicle, making it challenging for residents to attend doctors’ appointments, access healthy food options, and participate in recreational activities.
Recognizing this pressing need, the Pontiac Community Foundation (PCF) and the Checkered Flag Challenge established the M1 Mobility Transportation Initiative to bridge the transportation divide in our community. M1 Mobility partners with over 20 local organizations to provide reliable, community-based transportation solutions, ensuring that every resident — particularly youth and seniors — has equitable access to essential programs and resources.
Our initiative operates three 15-passenger vans and one 9-passenger van, delivering services that cater to all ages, from after-school programs to grocery trips. Since its inception, M1 Mobility has successfully completed over 25,000 rides, allowing individuals and families to connect with services that may have otherwise been out of reach.
To date, M1 Mobility has:
- Completed more than 25,000 rides
- Driven more than 50,000 miles
- Received more than $665,000 of investment through PCF and our partners
Success Story: M1 Mobility - More Than Just Rides
An inspiring story highlights a girl from Pontiac who tragically lost her mother and aunt to COVID-19 and now lives with her grandmother. Thanks to M1 Mobility, she joined the Math Corps and has flourished since her first year in 2023. This summer, she even earned the prestigious “Outstanding Student Award” for exemplifying the program's values and achieving a perfect score on her post-test.
Her journey didn’t just impact her; she took her newfound knowledge home, teaching her grandmother math and helping her earn her GED. This reflects the Math Corps’ ripple effect in our community.
At the OU Math Corps, we believe in celebrating each child's unique greatness while spreading love and kindness. We extend our heartfelt thanks to M1 Mobility for making this possible, allowing us to empower the young minds of our community!
Anna Maria Spagnuolo
Executive Director, OU Math Corps