News
Vision Plan
Rural Alternative for Transportation (RAFT) is excited to introduce a new three-year vision, thoughtfully crafted through a powerful collaboration of local stake-holders, dedicated volunteers, community leaders, clients and the RAFT board and employees. This strategic planning session was led by Janet Schatzman & Homer Stewart, guided by shared values, data insights, and a deep commit-ment to transforming rural transportation in the Berthoud area for seniors and adults with handicaps that prohibit them from driving.
The result? A clear and inspiring roadmap that will guide RAFT’s efforts over the next three years. Today, we’re proud to share an artistic rendition of the work that was done, it captures the priorities, themes, and aspirations that emerged during this milestone event. Major themes in this picture are; community, caring and a strong passionate volunteer organization.
RAFT’s new vision not only reflects where we’re headed—it honors how we got there: together.
The RAFT Story
Once upon a time in 1992, a small local transportation service named BATS began, quietly serving the people of its community. Fast forward to 2014, this seed of an idea grew into something official, RAFT was born. Milestone by milestone, RAFT made progress: In 2015, RAFT acquired their first van. By 2018, they had a recruited multiple schedulers to handle growing needs. in 2021, they proudly achieved Non-Profit Status. Then in 2023, they hired paid staff and introduced critical software upgrades to streamline operations. As RAFT grew, so did the world around it.
Clouds in the sky represent external pressures, like rapid community growth, changing funding, and shifting agency demands. But RAFT didn’t back down. Instead, they laid out a bold vision for 2024-2026, broken into six clear goals:
1. Become a leader among local non-profits.
2. Expand their scope to meet more community needs.
3. Create an advanced ride access system.
4. Diversify funding sources.
5. Modernize and expand their fleet.
6. Strengthen organizational culture.
This journey is illustrated as a road weaving through hills and valleys, filled with roadblocks like lack of coordination, outdated systems, and limited driver resources. But RAFT’s people don’t just identify challenges, they push through them. As we move toward the right side of the map, we see RAFT’s vehicles cruising forward, guided by strong RAFT Mission and Guiding Principles, like Delivering clients safely, Caring about neighbors, Cultivating partnerships, and going above and beyond. Along this journey, colorful figures represent people actively removing roadblocks. Each one is tackling real issues with actionable strategies, like Strengthening volunteer recruitment, Boosting communication, Securing additional funding and resources, and Improving technology and partnerships.
Finally, shining like the sunrise on the far right is the RAFT 2026 Vision Statement: “We are a community united by universal transportation access.” This map isn’t just a plan. It’s a story of persistence, community, and vision. It shows how a small initiative grew into a powerful, mission-driven movement created by people who care deeply about their neighbors and their future.
