Blog | The Arc of Hanover

The Early-Morning DASH to Work

By Eli Barnum, disability self-advocate and guest contributor

The Arc of Hanover is running an occasional blog series about public transportation options here in Hanover County. We are connecting with self-advocates who are using transportation services, such as Hanover DASH and the GRTC LINK system. We are asking questions about experiences so we can encourage others to reach out and to learn how to use these services here in the County.

At 6:40 AM, Tuesday through Friday, Eli Barnum is picked up at his house by Hanover DASH for his job at Autumn Care in Mechanicsville.

The Arc of Hanover: Who are you?

Respondent: Eli Barnum

Note: Eli works in Environmental Services-Housekeeping for Autumn Care, a senior care services facility in Mechanicsville. He has also volunteered at The Arc of Hanover Thrift Store.

The Arc of Hanover: What type of public transportation do you use?

Eli Barnum: Hanover DASH.

Note: Hanover DASH is operated by Hanover County Government. It's a personalized transportation program for Hanover County residents age 65 and older and for individuals with disabilities. Read more about how to register for Hanover DASH at www.HanoverDASH.org.

The Arc of Hanover: How long have you used public transportation? If you use more than one public transportation service, please mention who you are using?

Eli Barnum: Since August 2025.

The Arc of Hanover: Why did you choose to use public transportation?

Eli Barnum: I have a job and my parents work fulltime, and I don’t drive.

Eli (left) has been a volunteer with The Arc of Hanover Thrift Store. — Eli (*left*) has been a volunteer with The Arc of Hanover Thrift Store.

The Arc of Hanover: How did you learn what transportation options were available in Hanover?

Eli Barnum: I have a friend who was taking Hanover DASH, and he told me about it.

The Arc of Hanover: How did you learn to use the transportation system? (Read a schedule; contact a driver; arrange for payment, etc.)

Eli Barnum: My parents taught me how to use the app.

Note: Hanover DASH uses UZURV Ride, an app available for Apple and Android platforms. See the Hanover DASH website for more information.

The Arc of Hanover: Describe a typical day of using public transportation: What do you do? See?

Eli Barnum: I booked my rides a month in advance. They pick me up at 6:40 AM Tuesday through Friday, and then I checked my cell phone to see when they’re on their way so I will be ready when they get to my house.

Note: Eli wakes up at 6 AM to be at his job by 7 AM. Because Eli's parents both work fulltime, he needs morning transportation.

The Arc of Hanover: What challenges or barriers did you face in using your transportation? How did you overcome those challenges?

Eli Barnum: One day a driver came to my house, but because I wasn’t outside waiting for him, he left before he could take me to work. My dad had to drive me to work that morning.

The Arc of Hanover: How has using public transportation changed the way you do things?

Eli Barnum: It makes me more independent.

The Arc of Hanover: What has been the best part of using public transportation?

Eli Barnum: It allows me to get to work so I can get paid. It also has helped me do fun things like go to the pool and meet a friend.

The Arc of Hanover: What advice would you share with others about using public transportation?

Eli Barnum: Give it a try and become more independent.

Hanover DASH is funded by Hanover County Government as well as by state and federal funding from the Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation.

Another Hanover disability self-advocate -- and an avid volunteer at The Arc of Hanover Thrift Store -- John Morel also uses Hanover DASH for his transportation to his volunteer position. John's story about using Hanover DASH is published in the Fall/Winter 2025 edition of The Hanover Review, and you can watch a YouTube video with John, produced by Hanover County Government, here.

If you want to help people in Hanover County with intellectual or developmental disabilities via The Arc of Hanover, donate here.

If you are a disability self-advocate, parent, caregiver or concerned citizen interested in writing a blog post for The Arc of Hanover -- on transportation or any subject -- please contact Sue Jeantheau, Communications Committee, at sue.jeantheau@thearcofhanover.org.

Service in Smiles and Community

By Diane Gallegos, Director of Program and Mission

The Arc of Hanover

A man in an orange fleece stands before a large Christmas tree in New York City. — *James "Peanut" Tench found more than the bright lights on a recent mission trip to New York City.*

In the bustling aisles of The Arc of Hanover Thrift Store, there is a sound more reliable than the chime of the front door: The laughter trailing behind James "Peanut" Tench.

To many, a thrift store is a place for hidden treasures. But for those who know James, he is one of our Store’s greatest finds.

The Heart at the

Donation Door

James has been part of the fabric of the Thrift Store since it was nothing more than a shared dream and a set of empty blueprints. Today, you’ll most likely find him at the donation door — the frontline of the mission. With a joke at the ready and a smile that feels like a warm greeting from an old friend, James transforms a simple drop-off into a moment of connection.

Whether he’s hauling boxes or offering an enthusiastic "Big thank you!" to a donor, James works with a spirit of pure, infectious joy. For him, volunteering with the Store isn't just a task; it’s a way to give back to the mission he has championed from day one.

A Resilience Forged in Fire

The strength James shows every day wasn't easily won. Years ago, James held a steady job and a different pace of life. Everything changed when he faced a devastating medical crisis — a series of strokes that robbed him of his ability to work and forced him into a grueling battle for his independence.

The road through rehabilitation was long and steep. It took immense physical and mental fortitude to regain his skills and his strength. But as James often says, while the fight was tough, he is tougher. His presence at The Arc of Hanover is a living testament to that resilience; he didn't just recover — he chose to use his second chance to serve others.

Beyond the Store Walls

James’ heart for service knows no borders. This drive recently took him to the streets of New York City for his second mission trip with his church. To get there, James had to raise the funds himself. He was humbled, though perhaps not surprised, to find that when he asked for help, the community was "eager to donate." They knew that a dollar given to James was a dollar that would directly feed and comfort someone facing homelessness.

Closer to home, James pours that same mentorship into the next generation. As a veteran of the Special Olympics, he doesn't just compete: He serves as a mentor for younger athletes. He shows them that a medical diagnosis doesn't define your finish line — your spirit does.

More Than a Volunteer — Family

When James speaks about his life today, he doesn't focus on what he lost during his strokes. Instead, he speaks of the "wonderful friendships" he has built through his church, his athletics, and his time at the Thrift Store.

At The Arc of Hanover, we don’t just see James as a volunteer. He is a cornerstone of our family. He reminds us every day that community service isn't just about the tasks we complete — it’s about the smiles we share and the strength we find in one another.

If you are a disability self-advocate, parent, caregiver or concerned citizen interested in writing a blog post for The Arc of Hanover -- on any subject -- please contact Sue Jeantheau, Communications Committee, at sue.jeantheau@thearcofhanover.org.

If you want to help people in Hanover County with intellectual or developmental disabilities via The Arc of Hanover, donate here.

Spotlight on Success: Bravo Bakeshop’s Recipe for Inclusion

By Diane Gallegos, Executive Director/Mission, The Arc of Hanover

Carter is the master baker of the Carter Cream Pie at Bravo Bakeshop.

A wonderful aroma is sweeping through Ashland, and it’s coming from the newly opened Bravo Bakeshop! More than just a source of incredible treats, this bakery is quickly becoming a beacon of community and inclusion, and a cherished friend of The Arc of Hanover.

Owner Liz Dillon has created a truly welcoming and inclusive work environment at Bravo Bakeshop. Liz recently shared the inspiring story of how she connected with the culinary baking program at Mechanicsville High School. A teacher from the program reached out, inquiring about employment for a talented young man -- a baker with a disability.

Liz didn't hesitate. She was thrilled to welcome Carter to the team, stating she feels "blessed to have someone who was so well-trained in the art of baking" join her staff. Carter has proven to be an invaluable asset and has mastered the classic oatmeal cream pie.

The Carter Cream Pie: A Sweet Partnership

To celebrate Carter's talent and dedication, Liz has renamed this signature item the Carter Cream Pie. But the sweetness doesn't stop there! In a generous gesture of support, Bravo Bakeshop is donating a portion of the sales of every Carter Cream Pie to The Arc of Hanover.

Diane Gallegos and Stacey Murrell, the Co-Executive Directors of The Arc of Hanover, recently visited the shop to express their thanks, meet Carter, and, of course, sample the famous pies. They were delighted to find Carter to be a very hardworking and polite young man who crafts a truly fantastic cream pie! They walked away with many pies to share with the volunteers at The Arc of Hanover Thrift Store -- a treat that brought pure delight to all who enjoyed it.

Loving the Job and Loving the Freedom

Carter's dedication is evident. He had been balancing two jobs for nearly a year but recently made the decision to focus solely on Bravo Bakeshop. He shared his enthusiasm, stating he loves his job, his coworkers, and the opportunity to bake for others.

Carter utilizes the Hanover DASH transportation service to commute, which gives him the independence to schedule his rides and adjust his pick-up time as needed by his work schedule. This freedom ensures he can focus on his passion for baking without transportation worries.

Owner of Bravo Bakeshop in Ashland, Liz Dillon (left), with baker Carter (right), and the signature Carter Cream Pie.

If you haven't had the chance to visit Bravo Bakeshop yet, please make a point of stopping in! You'll not only be treated to wonderful baked goods but also get to meet neighbors and support a business that champions inclusion.

And whatever you do, don't forget to grab a delicious Carter Cream Pie. You’ll be supporting a fantastic baker and The Arc of Hanover!

If you want to help people in Hanover County with intellectual or developmental disabilities via The Arc of Hanover, donate here.