CASSELBERRY  |  When Maria Torres-Luengas, director of community health for AdventHealth Central Florida, invited William Bernardo to apply for a grant, one thing topped his wish list: a commercial van.

Bernardo has been the director of Pathways to Care for almost four years and oversees the licensed short-term assisted-living facility run by Catholic Charities of Central Florida in Casselberry. Previously, Pathways to Care leased a regular family van, a Chrysler Pacifica. Bernardo said it was his wish to buy a commercial passenger van for extra space and comfort of the patients.

“Most of the residents in our care have multiple follow-up medical appointments for post-hospital stay care and regular medical appointments, such as receiving dialysis three times per week,” Bernardo explained. “The larger commercial van allows us to transport several residents together as well as room to store wheelchairs and walkers.”

After receiving the grant from AdventHealth, Bernardo’s wish came true. One former resident secured housing at an offsite apartment, but had to move his wheelchair, a large electric scooter, and his personal belongings. By removing the seats from the van, they were able to load up all his belongings into the van and transport everything in just one trip.

To learn more about Pathways to Care or to make a donation visit https://pathwaystocare.org/

By Lucas Blackwell, Special to the Florida Catholic, April 17, 2025