Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation (JFCAC) is excited to share that its EZMO Transportation Program has received a $25,000 second-year grant from the Jefferson Foundation. This funding will help expand transportation access for Jefferson County residents who face significant barriers getting to healthcare, employment, education, and other essential services.

EZMO was launched in 2023 to provide free, scheduled transportation for low-income individuals and families who live in rural areas without reliable public or personal transportation options. In its first year, the program delivered over 2,000 rides and traveled more than 165,000 miles across Jefferson and Franklin Counties. With support from the Jefferson Foundation, EZMO will continue helping Jefferson County residents stay connected to critical care and opportunities that improve their health and stability.
T
he Jefferson Foundation’s investment in EZMO supports operational costs and ride coordination specifically for Jefferson County residents who otherwise struggle to access necessary services. Transportation remains one of the most persistent barriers to maintaining health and self-sufficiency, particularly in rural communities. This funding is a key step in helping more residents reach medical, dental, mental health, and vision appointments, attend job interviews or training, and connect to food and community resources that support long-term well-being.

To qualify for the EZMO Transportation Program, residents must live in Jefferson or Franklin County and meet income eligibility guidelines or lack reliable transportation. Services are available to individuals and families of all ages. Each ride is assigned based on the client’s needs and funding availability. Once a short eligibility assessment is completed, clients can schedule rides in advance either through the EZMO mobile app or by calling the program directly. The ride team coordinates the scheduling process and ensures the appropriate funding source is used so there is no cost to the client.
Residents interested in learning more or requesting a ride can contact EZMO Transportation at 1-877-743-3966 or visit www.jfcac.org/ezmo.

​This continued partnership with the Jefferson Foundation demonstrates a shared commitment to removing barriers and investing in local solutions that improve the lives of Jefferson County residents

​We are excited to announce that EZMO Transportation has received a $5,000 grant from Delta Dental of Missouri —our first-ever award from this funder! This generous support will help residents in Franklin and Jefferson Counties access oral healthcare by providing reliable transportation to and from dental appointments.
Transportation should never be the reason someone misses out on necessary care. With Delta Dental’s partnership, EZMO can continue to reduce barriers and help individuals receive the dental services they need for long-term health and well-being.
If you or someone you know needs transportation to a dental appointment and lives in Franklin or Jefferson County, contact EZMO Transportation at 1-877-743-3966 or visit www.jfcac.org/ezmo to learn more or request a ride.

Every May, communities across the nation celebrate National Transportation Week—a time to recognize the critical role transportation plays in connecting people to opportunity. For us at EZMO Transportation, this week is more than a celebration. It’s a chance to shine a light on the power of access, especially in the rural communities of Jefferson and Franklin Counties.

Building Bridges, Not Just Roads
Since launching in 2023, EZMO has become a lifeline for many who face transportation as a barrier to daily needs. Whether it’s getting to a doctor’s appointment in St. Louis, picking up groceries, arriving at a new job, or accessing mental health services, our team works every day to ensure that residents have a safe, reliable, and compassionate way to get there.

In 2024, EZMO provided:
• 24,051 essential rides
• 1,083,437 miles driven
• Countless connections to medical, employment, educational, and support services
These numbers represent more than data—they represent stories of resilience, dignity, and hope.

Celebrating the People Who Drive the Mission
During National Transportation Week, we’re spotlighting the people who make it all possible:
• Our drivers, who go above and beyond to make riders feel seen and respected.
• Our coordinators, who match every ride to the right funding source and ensure no one is turned away.
• Our community partners, who refer individuals and collaborate to connect residents to holistic support.

We’re especially proud of the behind-the-scenes work that ensures this program runs smoothly—from intake calls and scheduling to monthly reporting and impact tracking.

?? How You Can Get Involved
We believe transportation is a shared responsibility. You can join us in our mission by:
• Following and sharing our posts on social media (@Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation)
• Partnering with us to refer clients or provide complementary services
• Supporting funding opportunities or donating to expand our impact

As we reflect on National Transportation Week, we’re reminded that the most meaningful progress comes when we move together. Because in Jefferson and Franklin Counties, no one should be left behind because of where they live or what they earn.

Let’s keep moving forward—together.
Visit www.jfcac.org/ezmo to learn more or get connected.

Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation is proud to support East-West Gateway’s efforts to build a regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan that reflects the voices of all our communities—including yours! This is your opportunity to share what matters most when it comes to clean air, affordable energy, and sustainable solutions.

Please read the message below from East-West Gateway and take a few minutes to complete their community survey. Every 10th respondent wins a $10 gift card!

Help Shape Our Region’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan! 

We’re excited to share progress on the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan, a community-driven strategy to reduce pollution, improve public health, and save money on energy across the region.

This plan will reflect input from residents, community leaders, and technical experts and will outline a path toward a healthier and more sustainable future. Your voice matters, and we want to hear from you!

This Plan Aims To:

• Improve air quality and reduce pollution-related illnesses
• Cut household and municipal energy costs
• Promote energy efficiency in homes and businesses

How to Get Involved Take Our Survey for a Chance to Win $10!

The survey takes about 10 minutes and is anonymous unless you choose to share your contact information. Every 10th respondent wins a $10 Visa gift card! The survey will close on Memorial Day, May 26th. 

Take the Survey Now → https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EWG-WG

​What We’ve Heard So Far:

• People care deeply about clean air, reliable transportation, and affordable energy.
• Many residents are willing to take action but need resources, guidance, and motivation.
• Equity and accessibility must be at the center of our solutions.

Celebrate Together in Mid-June! Join us for a public open house to get feedback on the draft Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan and kick off implementation! This family-friendly event will include dinner, door prizes, and energy-saving resources. (More details to come!)

Together, we can create a healthier, more resilient future for the St. Louis region.

Learn more: https://www.ewgateway.org/community-planning/sustainability-planning/pollution-reduction/