Facebook Comments: 

• JA - In the past the city did in fact visibly support it's senior community.

• TH - To JA: the current senior millage is supposed to be providing medical transportation. If it is not, you need to find out why?

• VP - Yes they did. But now it looks like they don't. People please realize that you too will become seniors one day and you will hope there will still be a program like what we have (had).

• Me: Four Pointes’ 10-year senior millage ended in 2024. Coopersville collected about $35,000/year under that millage. In 2022, Four Pointes agreed to return 50% of our millage dollars so we could fund local senior programming directly. We made that change because the services reaching Coopersville weren’t matching what residents needed.
  
  I am exploring options to bolster city-run programming, with transportation as the top challenge. If you have ideas, partners, volunteer drivers, or creative solutions, please reach out to me or any council member. Kate continues to do great work coordinating programs, but she’s one person. Your help and feedback matter. One sticking point is funding. Are citizens willing to start a new senior millage?

• UPDATE 11.26.25:

Over the last few weeks I have been trying to get a clearer picture of what transportation options actually exist for seniors and others in Coopersville.

I reached out to Hope Network to ask about their “Wheels to Work” program and their upcoming non-emergency medical transportation. I received one reply, but I have not been able to get answers yet on feasibility or costs for a Coopersville-focused service. I will keep trying, but I do not want to keep you waiting for an update.

Here is what I found that is currently available for people who live in Coopersville:

1. Four Pointes volunteer rides (seniors 60+)

• Rides for medical, dental, and legal appointments

• Serves Coopersville and other North Ottawa communities

• Free, with donations welcome

• No wheelchair lift, riders need to be able to get in and out of a car on their own

• Rides must be scheduled ahead of time

2. Insurance medical rides

• Many Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans include ride benefits for medical visits

• You have to call the ride number on your insurance card to schedule

• Availability and rules depend on your specific plan

3. Veterans transportation

• Ottawa County Veterans Services can provide free medical transportation for eligible veterans and in some cases spouses

• Often coordinated with Hope Network or similar providers

4. Church and volunteer help

• Some local churches run trips or provide rides for their members

• At times, volunteers have stepped up through word of mouth or social media when specific needs are shared

5. Private options (any adult)

• Uber, Lyft, and taxi or car services from the Grand Rapids area will generally come to Coopersville, but costs are higher and availability can be limited, especially at certain times of day

I am still interested in whether Hope Network or another provider could partner with the City on something more organized for seniors, especially for medical appointments. So far I do not have enough information from them to say what that would look like or what it would cost.

Kate continues to do a lot with limited resources, and I appreciate her efforts. If you have ideas, know of volunteer drivers (this could especially support Four Points), or are willing to help, please reach out to me or another council member. The more we hear from you about specific needs, the better we can evaluate next steps.