ROUND ROCK, Texas — A group that gives seniors free rides to their doctor appointments needs more drivers.
Senior Access is a nonprofit where volunteer drivers take seniors to their appointments, free of charge. Senior Access serves 1,300 clients, with 75% relying on transportation. Right now, the group has just 52 active drivers.
“It is somebody they trust to give the extra hand, take their elbow to get them inside or outside," Serita Lacasse, the executive director of Senior Access, said.
Carlos Rodman is a volunteer. On Tuesday, he drove 96-year-old Belverly Gene Robertson to an appointment.
“I like to think it brightens their day. We have a lot of fun, me and Beverly, me and Jenna. We have a lot of laughs, a lot fun for both of us,” Rodman said.
"It's nice, and I have a great companion. Carlos has been wonderful, and all the people have been wonderful," Robertson said.
Lacasse said 52 drivers is considerably low. She said about 200 would be a good number. To make up for the discrepancy, the group has had to shell out $10,000 over the past four months for rideshare drivers.
While she appreciates the rideshares, Lacase said on top of the cost, without a volunteer, many times the clients are not getting that special care.
"Gives that security that someone is there. When we have to use rideshare, the driver will pick them and drop them off," Lacasse said.
For now, she said the group is doing what it can to get by but hopes it can get more volunteers.
Learn more about volunteering with Senior Access.