Senior Access: Central Texas nonprofit in need of volunteers

ROUND ROCK, Texas — A group that provides free rides to seniors to medical appointments needs more drivers.

Senior Access is a non-profit organization where volunteer drivers transport seniors to appointments free of charge. Senior Access serves 1,300 clients, 75% of whom use transportation. Currently, the group has only 52 active drivers.

“It’s someone they trust, who will give them an extra hand, take them by the elbow and lead them inside or outside,” said Senior Access Executive Director Serita Lacasse.

Carlos Rodman is a volunteer. On Tuesday, he gave 96-year-old Belverly Gene Robertson a ride to a meeting.

“I like to think it brightens their day. We’re having a great time, me and Beverly, me and Jenna. We have lots of laughs and great fun for both of us,” Rodman said.

“It’s nice and I have a wonderful companion. “Carlos was great and all the people were great,” Robertson said.

Lacasse said 52 drivers is far too few. She said about 200 was a good number. To make up for it, the group has had to spend $10,000 on rideshare drivers over the last four months.

While she appreciates ridesharing, Lacase added on the cost side, that without a volunteer, many times clients won’t receive that special care.

“It makes sure someone is there. When we need to rideshare, the driver will pick up the person and bring them back,” Lacasse said.

For now, Lacasse said they are doing what they can to survive, but they hope to get more volunteers.

If you want to volunteer, here’s how to do it.

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