Give the gift of safe transportation this holiday.
Give the gift of safe transportation this holiday.
With Companionship Along the Way
Access to transportation plays a vital role in helping older adults maintain health, independence, and overall well-being. For many older adults, the inability to drive can be a barrier to attending medical appointments, going grocery shopping and picking up prescriptions, or staying engaged socially to prevent loneliness and isolation. By facilitating transportation, Community Assisted Rides supports mental well-being and quality of life. And knowing that their loved ones have access to safe and reliable transportation can provide peace of mind for family members and caregivers.
By fostering personal connections with our VIPs––or Very Important Passengers––our volunteers ensure that every ride is an opportunity for genuine connection, companionship, and community building.
Providing Individual Attention
Our volunteers are dedicated community members, thoughtfully selected and thoroughly trained. Each volunteer undergoes a thorough screening process, including a background check and orientation, to ensure they are equipped to provide safe and compassionate service. Our team also coordinates the scheduling of rides and other services to efficiently meet the diverse needs of our clients, ensuring timely and reliable assistance.
Unlike other services, our drivers stay with our VIPs throughout their appointments and errands, reflecting the kind of care and attention one would provide for their own family members.
Through Consistency and Peace of Mind
A ride is more than just transportation––it’s freedom. When older adults are unable to make the trips they need to outside the home, it inhibits their ability to function independently. They face isolation, and their quality of life is adversely impacted. Our dedicated volunteers offer accompanied transportation to essential destinations such as medical appointments, therapies, grocery shopping, and life-enhancing trips such as hair appointments, fitness classes, and church services.
CARS IN ACTION
This video shows how Community Assisted Rides helps seniors navigate one of life’s most challenging transitions—giving up their car keys.
We provide accompanied transportation for adults 60+ across 22 Chicago western suburbs, restoring independence when traditional transportation is no longer an option.
Our “Very Important Passengers” experience the dignity of mobility without burdening family members. As one senior shares, “It’s really improved my life just knowing it’s there.”
Broadview
Brookfield
Burr Ridge
Clarendon Hills
Countryside
Darien
Downers Grove
Hinsdale
Hodgkins
Indian Head Park
La Grange
La Grange Park
Lyons
McCook
North Riverside
Oak Brook
Riverside
Westchester
Western Springs
Westmont
Willow Springs
Willowbrook
To become a Very Important Passenger (VIP), you or your loved one will need to complete the steps below:
You may call the CARS office directly, or submit a contact form to receive a follow-up call.
If our phone screening identifies you as an eligible VIP, the next step is to fill out the application, which we will send via email or snail mail.
If we’ve determined you are eligible for our ride services, our team will provide a booklet with everything you need to know about being a CARS Very Important Passenger.
Use the directions provided in the VIP Guidelines booklet, or call the CARS office at 708-354-9328. VIPs can access up to two trips per week, and the office needs one week's notice to schedule a ride.
Fill out the form below to share your interest with our staff.
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We love hearing from you! If you are interested in becoming a VIP, volunteer, donor, or have a general question or comment for us, fill out our contact form or call (708) 354-9328 and someone from our office will get back to you soon.
Legacy and planned gifts are a beautiful way to celebrate significant life events by caring for others for many years to come.
Legacy giving can provide potential tax advantages, allowing you to strategically plan your financial legacy while minimizing estate taxes and maximizing the impact of your charitable contributions.
If you are interested in setting up a legacy gift or planned gift to CARS, we suggested consulting with your financial advisor before contacting our office for more information.
If you would like to set up this type of donation, please reach out to janet@
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Making a gift in honor of mom, dad, grandma or another special older adult pays tribute to your loved one and cares for others in their honor. Please consider making a donation to CARS in honor of mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, or another special person in your life.
Making a gift in their honor and/or memory is a beautiful way to celebrate the people you treasure while caring for others for many years to come. If you donate in honor of one of our current clients or volunteers, we will happily mail them a notecard letting them know a donation was made in their honor!
