TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The University of Alabama has formed a partnership with Kid One Transport System that will provide $500,000 in federal funds to support the expansion of Kid One services in West Alabama.

Kid One is a statewide non-profit transit system that provides free transportation to children and expectant mothers who have little or no means of transportation for accessing needed medical care. The new funding will support the expansion of Kid One’s services in Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Pickens and Tuscaloosa counties.

The funding comes through the efforts of the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP), a clinical program at the UA School of Law, with the assistance of Dr. Robert Wells, UA interim vice president for research. ADAP secured the funds through a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration under the Job Access Reverse Commute Program.

“The University of Alabama is very pleased to be able to assist Kid One in providing critical transportation services to rural West Alabamians,” said UA President Robert E. Witt. “As a public university, we have a responsibility to serve the citizens of our state, not only through educational programs, but also through research and service. This partnership is a prime example of the University’s outreach efforts.”

Witt commended Sen. Richard Shelby for his assistance in obtaining the federal funds. “This represents another significant commitment by Senator Shelby to improve the quality of life and economic development in West Alabama,” he said.

The Department of Transportation funding is a matching grant, meaning that Kid One will raise funds to match the federal dollars.

UA students have kicked off that fundraising effort with a donation of $45,000 from Greek Links, a fundraising campaign supported by the University’s fraternities and sororities. Now in its second year, Greek Links raises funds for a variety of charities. The group sponsored a golf tournament in March as one of a number of fundraisers.

ADAP is a federally mandated, statewide “Protection and Advocacy” program serving individuals with disabilities in Alabama. Based at the UA Law School, the program provides legally based advocacy services to persons with disabilities.

“Transportation is a critical issue for those with disabilities, and Kid One’s mission fits very closely with our mission,” said Reuben Cook, ADAP executive director. “Kid One’s services have a far-reaching impact. Children who get needed medical care miss less school and grow up to be more productive adults. Mothers who receive proper prenatal care have healthier babies. Parents of sick children miss less work when they can count on Kid One. I’m thrilled that the Law School and the University are able to assist Kid One in this worthwhile project.”

Kid One Transport System was founded in 1997 by former Hoover firefighter Russell Jackson to assist the thousands of Alabama children diagnosed with various illnesses, some life-threatening, who were forced to forego medical care simply because their families had little to no means of transportation. Since that time, Kid One has provided rides to and from medical care for more than 4,000 children and expectant mothers. Kid One serves 27 Alabama counties; however, most of its services are in the Birmingham area. The new funding will allow Kid One to greatly increase its services in West Alabama.

“Kid One is honored and thankful to receive this matching grant because of the assistance of both Senator Richard Shelby and The University of Alabama,” said Russell Jackson, founder and chief executive officer of Kid One Transport. “As we continue to expand into West Alabama these federal funds will help many sick children and expectant mothers reach the medical care that they so desperately need.”