An established disability adult care facility is operating without reliable wheels.

Management would like to change all that – with the help of the public.

For the past few years, staff and residents at south Auburn’s Like Skills Center have struggled getting around town to errands and appointments with a tired 2002 Dodge Ram van.

The van frequently broke down, prompting expensive repairs.

“The (auto repair shop) knows me by voice,” said Jennifer Wise, administrator and program manager at the center.

Wise and her staff have established a campaign drive to raise between $30,000 and $35,000 to buy a regular-sized, wheelchair-accessible van to replace the old one. So far, the drive has come up with $18,000.

“And the state doesn’t have the funds to buy us one,” said Scott Riley, treasurer for the Life Skills Center.

“(A replacement) van would mean not having to worry about getting stuck somewhere,” Wise added.

Life Skills Center, established in 1989, is a nonprofit organization contracted through the Department of Social and Health Services. The center provides support for developmentally disabled adults to live as independently as possible in their own homes and out in the community. The center, behind a staff of 13, provides 24-hour care to four residents.

“We try to be as much a part of our community as possible,” Wise said.

Those wishing to donate may do so at youcaring.com.

More information on the center can be found on Facebook.