Photos Courtesy of Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services
A Scottsdale nonprofit is now collaborating with the City of Scottsdale to provide rides to local passengers in need.
Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services (STARS), which caters to the community of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is a new service provider offering transportation services to senior citizens in Scottsdale who are enrolled in the city’s “Cab Connection” Voucher Program. These individuals can now schedule rides from STARS to and from the Wheels to Meals program, dialysis, and medical appointments. Passengers in need of a ride can use their respective pink vouchers when booking travel to and from senior centers.
“This is a great opportunity for STARS to help out the seniors in our community with their transportation needs” and that “We are ready and willing to assist whenever the need arises,” says STARS’ Facilities & Mobility Innovation Manager Justin MacGregor.
With the program newly launched, the STARS transportation department is now booking rides from eligible passengers from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. , Monday through Friday with 2 p.m. being the time to be picked up. Calls will be answered to take reservations at 480-237-6609 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with STARS asking for riders to call at least two hours in advance, best the day before, to schedule pick-up times. They also have vehicles that can accommodate wheelchair service; be sure to mention this if needed.
Celebrating its 50th year anniversary in 2023, STARS prides itself on innovating through collaboration with others in the community to be a resource in building a stronger foundation. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities through day programs, on-site work centers, in-home services, community-based employment training opportunities, and transition programs for young adults. STARS provides a welcoming, inclusive environment for this underserved population of residents with programs and activities that focus on them and the things they love to do. To learn more, visit starsaz.org.
