Patricia Belliveau
Need-A-Lift Medi Van, Inc. is an, transportation services company independently owned and operated by Patti Belliveau, President and Ken Belliveau, Treasurer. The company provides transportation services for clients to and from school, medical appointments, day programs and other community facilities. Clientele are primarily individuals with disabilities and elderly.
Patti and Ken Belliveau have incorporated a unique philosophy with hiring individuals with disabilities which simply is to give someone a chance to do the job. In this regard, Need-A-Lift has hired, trained, retained and promoted individuals with disabilities since the company opened its doors. They have also developed a strong relationship with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. Need-A-Lift began with one van and now has 50+ vehicles and approximately 55 employees of which 35% represent individuals with significant disabilities. In 2006 Need-A-Lift Medi-Van, Inc. won the Governor’s Exemplary Employer Award for going above and beyond hiring and retaining individuals with disabilities.
Woven throughout the company employee roster are individuals who needed a chance to return to work or just test their ability to work. The company’s daily operational practices include changing work schedules to allow individuals to meet therapeutic requirements to maintain work. Also, driving routes have been re-designed to allow for workers who did not have transportation to be picked up; and employees with disabilities have been allowed to travel home with company vehicles to ensure employment retention when financial barriers to transportation were in place.
Need-A-Lift has provided On-The-Job Evaluations to allow employees with cognitive impairments learn new skills as monitors and drivers. Also, specialized training programs accommodated these individuals to learn necessary first aid and CPR skills.
After its establishment in 1990, Need-A-Lift Medi Van, Inc was incorporated in 1992. The company has been certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) through SOMWBA since June 3, 2004. Need-A-Lift Medi Van, Inc is located in Leominster, Massachusetts.
