How is your organization doing? Biggest highlight from 2024?
Senior Access has officially merged with Drive a Senior ATX and Chariot to become Drive a Senior. This merger happened on August 1, 2025. In 2024, our organization continued to grow and serve more seniors. The biggest highlight was the announcement of retirement by our Executive Director who had been with the organization for 22 years. This change made the board look into a new ED or merger. The ED helped develop a team to explore how the merger would enable each group to combine to be able to share resources and assist more senior clients.
How has your organization grown in the past year?
In 2024, we provided over 14,000 rides to area seniors; this was a 29% increase in services over 2023.
What are some of the direct impacts the grant has had on your organization?
The $50,000 grant made an incredible difference for Senior Access. Because of this support, we were able to keep our vans running five days a week despite rising fuel and insurance costs, and we could cover the growing expense of ride shares so that no senior ever had to miss a critical appointment.
Example: For Violet X., a client in her late 80s, this support means everything. Violet lives alone in her longtime home, but her slower reflexes no longer allow her to drive. Each week, she depends on our rides to get to the grocery store—a simple outing that gives her independence and dignity. With her family living far away, Violet would otherwise struggle with even these basics.
Your generosity makes it possible for Violet, and more than 1,200 other seniors, to continue aging in place with peace of mind, knowing they are not alone.
What advice would you give those who are considering applying for the Q-mmunity Gives grant?
Q-mmunity grant is a very competitive grant but the recognition you receive and the help offered to grantees is well worth the time writing the grant. FC is a company I personally only thought of as the soccer field name. Once I was able to research their success and good deeds, it made this grant even more exciting. I was informed of the help that was just phone call away.
What is next for your organization and what goals do you have for future growth and impact?
As mentioned, Senior Access has now merged with Chariot and Drive a Senior ATX to become Drive a Senior, expanding our reach across the greater Austin metropolitan area. This growth has allowed us to serve more than 2,200 seniors—up from 1,200—providing over 40,500 rides and services in 2024, with even higher numbers projected this year.
Thanks to the support of organizations like FC Grants, we can meet the needs of a growing senior population, ensuring that no one is left without a ride—to a doctor’s appointment, the grocery store, or even a soccer game. Our mission is simple: help seniors stay independent, connected, and active in the community they love.
Click here to learn more about Senior Access and their mission.