Northwest Valley Connect not only meets a demand, but is an essential ingredient to ensure residents are able to maintain a vibrant and independent quality of life.
SURPRISE, ARIZ. (PRWEB) September 18, 2014
Northwest Valley Connect (NVC) launched a "One Call, One Click" transportation coordination resource today to help residents identify and choose transportation options. NVC’s call center (623-282-9300) and website (NorthwestValleyConnect.org) will provide residents with information and personal support to find transportation for local trips to doctors, the pharmacy, the grocery store, social engagements and other appointments and errands.
Northwest Valley residents face many transportation challenges, including a lack of public transportation in the region. For many, this means delayed trips to the grocery store or to important medical appointments. While increasing awareness of existing transportation services will assist many, there are still gaps that need to be covered to ensure all residents get the essential services they need.
“With 100,000 seniors living in the area, and a rapidly aging population, Northwest Valley Connect not only meets a demand, but is an essential ingredient to ensure residents are able to maintain a vibrant and independent quality of life,” Jennifer Drago, chair of the NVC board of directors, said.
NVC's unique position in the community will help to identify underserved transportation needs. It will work with existing government and private transportation providers to advocate for and help to develop new options to strengthen the region’s transportation network.
NVC was formed through a partnership of local nonprofits Sun Health and Benevilla in response to a 2013 community needs assessment, which revealed that transportation was a major problem for older adults living in the region. An all-volunteer board was established to help guide the organization and Kathryn Chandler was hired as the organization’s executive director/mobility manager. Chandler is a transportation and para-transit expert with more than 15 years of experience overseeing community transportation planning and strategy, transit operations and customer service.
At NVC, Chandler is in charge of overall operations, including transportation coordination and collaboration with area transit providers, as well as quality assurance.
“We’re here to increase awareness of existing transportation services and to help residents choose the best travel options,” Chandler said. “We also want to coordinate with existing providers and to bridge service gaps with new, affordable transportation options.”
Call for volunteers
NVC is looking for volunteers to help as call center operators, drivers, community ambassadors or office assistants. To volunteer or to learn more, call 623-282-9300 or email kchandler(at)northwestvalleyconnect.org
About Northwest Valley Connect
Northwest Valley Connect (NVC) is a nonprofit transportation coordination service whose mission is to provide personalized support to connect area residents with available transportation services, while developing new transportation options for seniors to overcome existing service gaps. Its vision is to advocate, facilitate and coordinate accessible, adequate transportation resources in the northwestern region of the Phoenix metropolitan area, thereby promoting quality of life among the residents it serves. For more information, call 623-282-9300 or email kchandler(at)northwestvalleyconnect.org
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