Volunteers provide independence for seniors

The Southlake Senior Activity Center is a busy place on a Tuesday, when the weekly luncheon takes place. Seniors arrive in the morning to sit together laughing and talking to friends while they play domino games.

"It's all about socialization" when it comes to staying vital, said Nancy Brown, senior services coordinator for the City of Southlake. Without a volunteer organization called CARS, some of the people at the center wouldn't be able to get there.

Call a Ride of Southlake has been providing independence for seniors and disabled adults since 2000. A group of seniors saw the need and started the volunteer group, said Soheila Phelps, executive director of the program and the only paid employee.

She's worked with CARS for six years, and coordinated some 1,800 one-way trips last year.

"The most rewarding thing is just to be able to talk to the seniors and let them know they can go where they need to go," she said.

The group, which receives money from the City of Southlake and private donations, has around 26 volunteer drivers. The goal is to have 40.

Volunteer time is flexible. Seniors sign up in advance for rides and then the schedule is distributed to volunteers. If a driver finds a fit, they sign in.

Medical appointments have priority. They are filled first on the schedule, and destinations can be up to a 25-mile radius of Southlake Town Hall.

Routine rides — to the senior center, out for shopping — are provided within a seven-mile radius of Town Hall. To qualify, potential passengers must live in Southlake.

For some drivers, the work is personal. Mary de Zoeten of Southlake said her own mother does not live nearby, so she volunteers with CARS to give back to someone in the same situation.

"You can do as much or as little as you want," she said.

Phelps, who doesn't drive so she has time to schedule, said she is similarly motivated to work for the program. "My mom doesn't live with me and she's away. The organization touched me closely."

How to get involved

To volunteer, call CARS Executive Director Soheila Phelps at 817-798-4022. She reviews applications, and criminal background checks are performed. To be considered, a volunteer must:

• be licensed to drive
• have current insurance
• have a vehicle

To get a ride

Riders also apply to Phelps by calling her. They must live in Southlake. CARS accepts disabled adult riders as well as senior citizens. Rides are offered 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.