Bailee Matta has a new set of wheels. 

She lives life in a wheelchair, but positivity drives her.  

One thing I always do is that I never give up. I always think, ‘Bailee, there's some way you can do something no matter what it is,’” she said.

From a manual wheelchair to a motorized one, a new chair is providing her more freedom than ever before. 

“This will help us for years to come. It's also important because, regardless of resources available, there are difficulties that individuals face to find these things that they need to either access their community or live safely in their homes. Because of that, we were able to come here, learn about he organization and really benefit from that,” she said. 

Her family worked with the non-profit Chosen to get her these new wheels

It's a place located off West 26th St. and on the grounds behind the Westminster Presbyterian Church. 

“The need is out there; we find more people living in kind of a gap to where they need something, maybe where insurance can't get it to them right away,” she said. 

Rick King is the executive director of Chosen. He's chosen to be a part of this for more than 20 years.

“We are now doing this in Texas and in Mexico and also in Warren, Pa.,” he said.

The mission is to collect and provide needed home health care equipment and items.

Everything from walkers and wheelchairs to crutches and a variety of canes, portable commodes, and wound care items.

Even adult diapers and hospital beds

“Erie can't sustain the amount of equipment we put out. So we average just here in Erie, roughly 1100 pieces of equipment we put out monthly,” he said.

People can call or come in to drop off these unneeded items they might have or to inquire about what's available.

They will be asked a few questions to get the right fit

The weekday operation has an intimate and hands-on staff who clean the donations, repair them and get them ready. 

There's no set timeframe to use the equipment.

The agency gets deliveries about every six weeks that come in from two different ministries. One in Pittsburgh, the other in Minnesota.

It all began at the hands of a man named Dick Love

The late Amsco, now Steris, company employee, launched Chosen in his home on Love Rd., with a love of helping others

What started with providing medical sterilizers has now grown into a legacy, thanks to a loyal crew.

Those who are interested in donating can do so here.