SANFORD, NC - For many families, participating in school events, attending parent conferences, or accessing essential community services can be challenging when reliable transportation is unavailable. Through a partnership with Buzzline Microtransit, which is a joint initiative of the City of Sanford and Lee County, which is funded by the NCDOT and operated by County of Lee Transit System (COLTS) providing convenient, on-demand public transportation - W.B. Wicker Elementary School’s Community Hub is working to remove those barriers by making it easier for families to stay connected to their children’s education and access resources throughout Lee County.
The partnership allows the school’s Community Hub, known as the Tiger Den Family Resource Center, to connect families facing transportation challenges with trip vouchers for local transit services. These vouchers can help families attend school-sponsored activities and engagement events while also providing mobility options to access essential services and opportunities throughout the community.
Established earlier this year, the Tiger Den serves as a central point of connection between W.B. Wicker families and community resources. Led by Community Schools Coordinator Brittany Degraffenreaidt, the center works to identify challenges that may impact students and their families and connect them with organizations and services that can help.
“We want every family to feel like they are part of what is happening here at W.B. Wicker,” said Degraffenreaidt. “Sometimes, something as simple as not having a ride can keep a parent from attending a school event or accessing a resource their family needs. This partnership gives us another way to remove those obstacles and make sure our families know they have a community of support behind them.”
Through the partnership with Buzzline and COLTS, the school hopes to make those connections easier and strengthen relationships between families and the school community.
“Local partnership organizations purchase trip vouchers that can be used for Buzzline and COLTS,” explained Debbie Davidson, who serves as the Mobility Manager for Lee County Government. “This provides the opportunity for individuals associated with the organizations to have a mobility option that gives them the chance to get where they need to go.”
Davidson emphasized that transportation assistance can have a lasting impact on families working to improve their circumstances. “For many who may be struggling or having a temporary challenge, transportation can be a barrier in a small community like ours. A local partner giving someone a trip voucher to an employment interview or to apply for housing means a fresh start to the future and an opportunity to fully participate in our community,” she added.
Buzzline Microtransit provides convenient, on-demand public transportation within its designated service area. Rides cost just $5 per trip and can accommodate up to five travelers for the same fare, which provides an affordable option for families traveling together.
The service operates Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Riders can schedule transportation in advance through www.buzzlinemicro.com, by calling (919) 776-7201, or by using the Buzzline Microtransit mobile app.
For W.B. Wicker Principal James Beasley-Mungin, the partnership reflects the school’s commitment to building strong relationships with families and recognizing that student success depends on support both inside and outside the classroom.
“We know that when families are engaged in their children’s education, our students are better positioned to succeed,” said Beasley-Mungin. “But we also understand that our families face real challenges that can make that engagement difficult. Our Community Hub is about meeting families where they are, building relationships, and finding practical solutions. We are grateful to Buzzline and COLTS for helping us make our school community more accessible to the families we serve.”
The partnership also demonstrates the impact of collaboration between Lee County Schools, local government, and community organizations in addressing challenges that extend beyond the classroom.
Through efforts like this one, W.B. Wicker Elementary and the Tiger Den Family Resource Center continue their work to ensure every family has opportunities to connect, engage, and thrive.
Families interested in learning more about transportation assistance and other resources available through the Tiger Den are encouraged to contact Brittany Degraffenreaidt at W.B. Wicker Elementary School (brittanydegraffenreaidt@lee.k12.nc.us).