As a community service, the Recreation Centers of Sun City West are sharing the article below from the PORA Northwest Valley Transit Stakeholders Committee about volunteer driver needs for senior transporation programs across the Sun Cities.
On Monday, Nov. 10, the Nonprofit Subcommittee of the PORA Northwest Valley Transit Stakeholders Committee met to address a growing concern — the urgent need for more volunteer drivers to serve seniors in the Northwest Valley.
The Subcommittee includes representatives from Benevilla, All Thrive 365/Northwest Valley Connect, the Area Agency on Aging, PORA, and the Sun City West Foundation (SCW Foundation). Together, these organizations provide essential, no-cost transportation to the community’s most vulnerable seniors — helping them access medical appointments, groceries, and social activities that keep them connected and independent.
A Growing Need for Rides
- All Thrive 365/Northwest Valley Connect currently serves over 600 active clients but must turn away ride requests due to driver shortages.
- The Area Agency on Aging serves 300 clients across the Sun Cities and faces similar challenges.
- Benevilla, with 150 clients, also has to deny rides when volunteer drivers aren’t available.
Each denied ride represents a senior who may miss a critical appointment, meal, or social connection. The Find Your Ride program of the SCW Foundation offers help in finding rides with a call center open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to noon, and a Find Your Ride Class once a month (602-662-4260). The call center regularly receives calls from older adults considering giving up their car keys — but many hesitate because they’re unsure transportation will be available when needed.
Why Recruiting Volunteers Is Harder Than Ever
All three agencies report similar challenges in recruiting drivers:
Today’s generation of volunteers often continue working beyond retirement, face concerns about liability, and are mindful of fuel and maintenance costs. Many want to help but hesitate to overcommit their limited free time.
To address these realities, agencies are exploring ways to make volunteering more rewarding and flexible, such as offering mileage reimbursements, monthly stipends, recognizing volunteers, and partnering with community support organizations.
Working Together on Solutions
The subcommittee is taking action. The first phase includes:
- Coordinated public outreach through newspaper articles, press releases, and local media.
- Volunteer recruitment events and presentations at community clubs, churches, and civic groups.
- A Volunteer Recruitment Party, where interested residents can learn more and meet current drivers
At the next meeting, the group will evaluate what strategies are working, refine recruitment messaging, and explore grant opportunities to fund volunteer incentives and transportation support.
How You Can Help
The success of these programs depends on the generosity and compassion of local residents. Even driving once or twice a week can make a life-changing difference for a senior neighbor.
- To volunteer, contact:
- All Thrive 365/Northwest Valley Connect: (623) 282-9300
- Benevilla: (623) 584-4999
- Area Agency on Aging: (602) 283-5704
- To schedule a speaker about volunteer opportunities for your club or community group, please call Cindy Putman at (850) 217-5101.
Join Us
Everyone is welcome to attend the next PORA Northwest Valley Transit Stakeholders meetings. Call Cindy Putman at 850-217-5101 for dates and times.
Come to a Find Your Ride class and bring a friend or neighbor to learn all the transit options available.
📅 Thursday, Jan. 22 | 🕛 10 to 11 a.m.
📅 Thursday, Feb. 26 | 🕛 10 to 11 a.m.
📅 Thursday, March 26 | 🕛 10 to 11 a.m.
📍 Sun City West Foundation, 14465 N. RH Johnson Blvd, Sun City West, AZ 85375.
RSVP for a class by calling 602-662-4260.
Together, we can ensure that no seniors are left without a ride in the Northwest Valley.