History
The first incorporated volunteer driver program in Austin started in 1985 and was called West Austin Caregivers. West Austin was targeted as the location for this pilot program based on 1980 census tracks reflecting a high concentration of the over-60 population. As a student project, it served as a pilot for 9 more organizations. The purpose was to respond to needs of the increasing number of elderly living alone. Though modeled after the national interfaith volunteer caregiver project, programming was developed to meet the needs of the elderly in the neighborhoods served.
Specialties
Drive A Senior-West is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization which provides free transportation services to adults over the age of 60, we have been in operation in Austin, TX since 1985 and provided over 6,500 rides last year to home-bound seniors in our region alone! Our mission is to help eliminate social isolation and assist older adults to age in place by staying in their homes and remaining independent longer. In addition to transportation, we provide other services such as light home maintenance and repairs, referral services, in-home visits, and reassurance calls.