It is time to get on the bus, y'all!! {Tampa Bay Midwife}
We are ecstatic to finally announce that after several bumps in the road the Barefoot Bus is going to be up and rolling!!!
The bus is getting stocked, checked over, test driven, and spruced up in preparation! Many, many hours of hard work and sweat have gone into the bus and we are so ready to have it on the road!
Thanks to our super successful crowd funding last year, and some VERY generous private donations- we have been able to finish the bus and have it ready to meet our new families!
If you are not familiar with our project you can read all about it here, here, here, and here!
Our final logistical task, which has proved to be the real patience-tester is having the bus wrapped with our sponsor's logos. We are hoping that will be done in the next few weeks!
We have partnered with the University Area Community Development Corporation in Tampa to bring the Barefoot Bus into their community-in-need starting Wednesday April 30th 2014 and continuing each and every Wednesday going forward! For those who do not know, the UACD serves the University Area Community, where high crime, poverty and a lack of basic resources has plagued the area for decades.
Of those served, 95% are below poverty level. They work to improve the economic, educational and social levels of the community through youth programs, adult education and resource assistance. Funds provided through grants, private contributions and public appropriations help residents participate in most programs free of charge. We could not have asked to find a more perfect partner in our mission to bring quality care to ALL families.
We will be seeing Medicaid and sliding scale client's on the bus in front of the UACDC adjacent to their awesome playground which serves as a lovely reprieve for families as mamas are seen for their visits. This central location provides for heavy foot traffic and ease of commute via public transportation if necessary. We are within minutes of the University of South Florida campus as well to serve any students who may find themselves uninsured or in need of referrals to other community resources.
We will be seeing clients each Wednesday from 9am-5pm for the first few weeks and extended hours may be implemented based on community need.
Everyone is welcome for care regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. We will offer care on a sliding scale and help families who qualify apply for Medicaid.
A very special thank you to everyone who has supported this project and stood behind us as we all worked hard to get everything in motion. We are looking forward to loving on lots of mamas and serving families right in their community. Everyone deserves a healthy pregnancy, beautiful birth, and most of all to be respected throughout the entire process.
Thank you for believing in us and making this a reality for so many!
Love and gratitude,
The Barefoot Family
How to find the Barefoot Bus:
Address: 14013 North 22nd Street, Tampa Florida 33613
From the South: Head North on I-275 to the Fletcher exit. Turn right onto Fletcher Avenue and proceed to North 22nd Street. Turn left on 22nd and go 1/2 mile until you see the University Area Community Center (UACC), marquee and turn right into UACDC entrance.
From the North: Head South on I-275 to the Bearrs exit. Turn left onto Bearrs Avenue and proceed to North 22nd Street. Turn right on 22nd and go 1/2 mile until you see the University Area Community Center marquee and turn left into UACDC entrance.
Contact 813.944.9120 or email us via our contact form here for more information or to schedule an appointment.
