The merger of Faith in Action Caregivers Pflugerville and Faith in Action Caregivers Round Rock five months ago has proven to be a strong move for the nonprofits.

Now combined as Faith in Action Senior Access, the volunteer-based transportation service provider for the elderly has more clients, more volunteers and more growth than ever before.

"We are growing every day," said Serita Lacasse, executive director of Faith in Action Senior Access.

The nonprofit is averaging four new clients every week and now has about 275 drivers helping about 580 clients.

Part of that growth can be attributed to the new online system that allows volunteers to find times and opportunities that are convenient for them without ever having to call or email Faith in Action, Lacasse said.

Additionally, the merged nonprofit has also established an ambassador program focused on recruiting volunteers as well as an advisory council made of community leaders focused on solving community issues.

The client waiting list, which at one time included about 23 people, is now gone, Lacasse said.

But, she added, that growth, while welcome, is creating a pressure to continue finding new volunteers.

"We're needing a lot more volunteers to continue," Lacasse said, pointing out that clients outnumber drivers by more than two to one.

However, 2012 looks like it will continue much of the growth started in 2011. Lacasse said Faith in Action plans to purchase a van to drive regular, fixed routes to shopping and rehab centers, likely in June, which some routes possibly starting in February.

For more information, visit www.fiasenioraccess.org.