Paying it forward where it is needed most...

Most of us reading this rarely worry about how to get somewhere. Our transportation options are reliable day to day, and we may grumble about the cost of parking but it doesn’t keep us from eating dinner.

There are many in the Rochester area who don’t have a reliable vehicle, can’t afford $8 a pop in the Civic Center garage, or may not even have money for a bus pass.
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BING! Light bulb moment!

Barbara Anne Zinker was talking with her friend Sheila Gaddis about how many visits to Family Court it takes to resolve custody issues. Earlier in 2016, Zinker, a retired City of Rochester employee (1973-2013) was supporting a friend through a child custody matter and made several observations about the Hall of Justice. ​

She recognized that the cost of parking was steep, but in talking to Sheila learned that many VLSP clients use public transportation.

VLSP staff members Danielle Sharp and Scott MacPherson joined the conversation and through their collaboration a transportation program was started in conjunction with the Seventh Judicial District Help Center.

A willingness to donate $250 coupled with a bright idea launched a program that has been in place since last July. 

“In these first months, at least one person per week visiting the Help Center has used a bus pass,” Barbara noted in a recent conversation. “There may be a seasonal increase as winter arrives. And even helping one person a week is rewarding.”

Retired from a life-time of civil service, Barbara feels blessed to be able to help others and sets a great example for how someone not even involved in the day-to-day legal community can make a difference with even a small donation.

Barbara noted that copy expenses can also be a factor for someone involved in the civil legal services. Maybe there should be a parking fund for special vouchers. Maybe….

Just an observant citizen, speaking up and stepping up where there is a need.

Written by Nora A. Jones