Rotary Club, an all-volunteer team effort initiative led by Rick Riccardi,Chairman of the Board, Fellowship RCO (FRCO), Pastor Ralph Giachetti, the CEO and president of Go Therefore Ministry, Gwynne Beatty, Member, Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale and Garry Smyth, long-time Board Member, Fellowship RCO and many others.
Rotary Club Aims to Break Transportation Barriers and Restore Dignity
In what organizers are calling a first-of-its-kind initiative in the United States, the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale is launching a free weekday bus loop to connect those experiencing homelessness in Broward County, with vital services ranging from healthcare and job training to legal aid and recovery programs. The service, known as Rotary Connection, started operations on Aug. 4 following a launch event at the Fort Lauderdale location of the Fellowship Recovery Community Organization. The project was the original concept of Rick Riccardi, Board Chairman of FCRO and a former President of the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale. Many in the community recognized the concept as viable and got on board to volunteer to make it happen, including Pastor Ralph Giachetti, the CEO and President of Go Therefore Ministry, Gwynne Beatty, Member, Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale and Garry Smyth, long-time Board Member, Fellowship RCO, a successful entrepreneur and longtime community leader, and many others.
Garry Smyth, said, “The goal is simple: remove transportation barriers that keep people from getting help.”
“This isn’t just a bus — it’s a practical solution to a major gap in service delivery,” Riccardi said. “By removing transportation barriers, we’re improving access to care and helping people take steps toward stability, permanent housing solutions and self-sufficiency.”
Bridging the Gap
Rotary Connection will operate a fixed loop and stop at agencies offering food distribution, medical care, mental health support, Veterans’ services, and clothing. The buses will be staffed by trained specialists who can conduct a short intake, make referrals, and track passenger outcomes — giving agencies better data on service needs and results.
Community Partnerships
The initiative is backed by the Florida Blue Foundation, Changing Lives – North Broward, and Go Therefore Ministry, along with support from the City of Fort Lauderdale, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Unit, Henderson Behavioral Health, LifeNet4Families, and the TaskForce for Ending Homelessness.
Smyth points out, “The initial funding will support the program for the first three months and then we will reach out to our community to find sponsors that will make this new service a permanent solution for those experiencing homelessness.”
Looking Ahead
“We’re demonstrating that with collaboration and commitment, you can solve a major access problem,” Smyth said. “It’s good for those we serve, good for the community, and ultimately good for the local economy.”
For more information please contact
Bobby Blair is an LGBTQ media pioneer and leader known for his philanthropic work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. A Florida native, he lives in Fort Lauderdale with his longtime partner, Brian Neal. Blair was inducted into the GLBT Hall of Fame in 2015.
