Driving Connection: How Community Assisted Rides (CARS) Strengthens Our Community
In many communities, the ability to get where you need to go is taken for granted. But as people age, mobility becomes more challenging—and the effects cascade beyond mere transportation. Recognizing this, Community Assisted Rides (CARS) steps in to support older adults in our area, helping them remain active, connected, and independent. Learn how this mission-driven nonprofit is making a difference—and how you and your business can play a role.

What Is Community Assisted Rides?
Since its founding in 1999, CARS has offered accompanied transportation for older neighbors, bridging the gap between independence and isolation. Formerly known as Interfaith Community Partners, CARS has evolved into a dedicated service provider for older adults (age 60+) across 22 western suburbs of Chicago. Their mission is simple, yet profound: to maximize the independence and well-being of older adults by enabling connections with others in their community.
CARS goes beyond drop-off services. Their volunteer drivers accompany clients throughout errands and appointments, offering companionship, stability, and peace of mind every step of the way. Core Services and Impact
Ride Program
This is CARS’s foundational service. Volunteers provide accompanied rides to critical destinations such as medical appointments, therapy sessions, grocery shopping, and life-enhancing errands. Because volunteers stay with clients through their visits, it ensures older neighbors feel safe, supported, and confident.
Library Homebound Delivery & Community Care
To maintain connection beyond transportation, CARS offers additional programs, including home delivery of library materials for homebound older adults and other supportive outreach services.
Through these combined efforts, CARS helps reduce social isolation, ensures vital appointments are kept, and supports quality of life for older residents in our community. Volunteerism: The Heart of the Operation
Volunteers are the backbone of CARS. Without them, the wheels simply can’t turn. The volunteer roles are flexible and designed to fit with busy lives:

• Accompanied transportation is the most needed role: volunteers drive, accompany, and assist older adults to their appointments.
• Community Care Programs such as making friendly phone calls, helping to deliver meals or special treats, and their Petal Pusher flower program. This is a program where they rescue flowers from local grocery chains and repurpose them into small vases to be delivered to Very Important Passengers.

Becoming a volunteer typically involves a phone screening, background check (both driving and criminal), and orientation. Volunteers must also have a valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and auto insurance.
What’s in it for volunteers? Many speak of the meaningful connections they form, the satisfaction of serving neighbors, and the gratitude expressed by clients. “You do receive more than you give,” says one volunteer, Pat. Why It Matters to Our Local Area

• Preserving independence. Reliable transportation means older adults don’t have to rely on others or remain housebound.
• Health outcomes. Keeping medical and therapy appointments is essential; missed rides can mean missed treatments.
• Building a caring community. When neighbors support neighbors, everyone feels more connected.
• Relieving caregiver burden. Families and friends of older adults often shoulder transportation duties; CARS can ease that load.

For business leaders and community stakeholders, supporting CARS is an investment in civic health. A vibrant, inclusive community is good for everyone—residents, customers, employees alike. How You Can Help
1. Spread the word. Include CARS in your newsletters, follow them on social media and share posts. Many older adults or their families might not yet be aware of this resource.
2. Volunteer. Encourage employees to donate time. Even two rides a month makes a difference.
3. Sponsor or partner. Consider financial support, in-kind contributions (gas cards for volunteer drivers), or matching gifts during their holiday appeal.
4. Collaborate on events. Host a volunteer recruitment event, awareness events, or informational sessions in your business space.
5. Donate. Every dollar helps sustain rides, outreach, and operations.
For more information, visit www.communityassistedrides.org or call their Executive Director, Janet Garreau at 708-354-9328. By supporting Community Assisted Rides, we nurture a community where aging does not mean isolation, where mobility is not a barrier, and where compassion is built into everyday life. Let’s drive together toward a more connected, caring future.