The Sanford Center for Aging is getting a financial boost that will put more older adults in cars and help them get where they need to go.
The Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County has awarded the center’s Community Services program $483,269 for two years through September 30, 2027.
The funding will expand transportation services, providing 7,800 free, individualized, door-to-door trips for adults 60 and older across the Reno and Sparks area.
The service will also reach farther out, including Lemmon Valley and Golden Valley, the edges of Spanish Springs, and southern Washoe County.
“Over the past year, we had meaningful growth in both reach and impact,” said Maddie Luevano, administrative assistant for Community Services at Sanford Center for Aging and the main point of contact for clients and volunteers. “The number of clients served increased by 34 percent between 2024 and 2025, total rides increased by 776, and total miles driven increased by more than 12,000 miles. These increases highlight not only growing demand but also the program’s ability to meet that demand through strong coordination, volunteer commitment, and trusted relationships with the community.”
Luevano often speaks with clients daily, helping schedule rides, letting them know which volunteer will assist them, and making sure any special needs or preferences are recorded. She also works closely with volunteers, focusing on support and day-to-day coordination.
The new funding will cover key program costs, including mileage reimbursement for volunteers, background checks for new volunteers, fuel for program cars, a part-time staff driver, and partial support for staff who manage daily transportation services and volunteer engagement.
Most rides through the Volunteer Transportation Program are handled by volunteers using their own cars to take people to medical appointments, essential errands, and social activities. Over the past year, that added up to 2,670 volunteer hours, valued at $92,880 based on the Independent Sector rate.
“The system Sanford has set up for folks to request rides, and for volunteers like me to choose when to volunteer, is seamless,” said James Pagliarini, a transportation volunteer with the center. “The personal and caring support extended by the staff to both clients and volunteers is truly extraordinary. And I can tell you from personal experience that the service is invaluable to those in need.”
Transportation remains a challenge for many older adults statewide. A 2022 report by Alignment Healthcare found nearly one in five older adults in Nevada may lack reliable transportation for non-emergency care within a year, compared with about one in seven nationally.
“Our transportation program is essential for older adults in the Reno and Sparks community,” Luevano said. “Losing the ability to drive can feel like losing a part of one’s independence.”
