DARTS

Programs: Transportation darts provided metro mobility and transit link ride services for transit- dependent individuals and persons with disabilities seeking safe and reliable rides to work, medical appointments, grocery and retail outlets, social engagements, adult day and senior centers, faith-based locales, and other community outlets. Darts is certified as a specialized transit service (sts) provider. In 2014, darts used 63 accessible buses to provide a total of 230,900 trips and serve 4400 active riders.

home services darts provides practical household services that assist older adults in maintaining the life they choose at home. Darts staff and volunteers partner to provide services that include housekeeping tasks (including laundry and meal preparation), grocery shopping and errands, and outdoor chores (such as lawn care and snow shoveling). In 2014, darts staff provided housekeeping service to 424 older adults. Darts volunteers completed 21,771 service hours assisting older adults by doing grocery shopping and errands (103 served), and outdoor chores (81 served).

service coordination and caregiver services darts' professional service coordinators work with older adults and family caregivers to assess needs and provide guidance, including on-site independent living support at three area housing facilities. Darts' information and assistance call line is the entry point. Service coordinators coach caregivers of elders and work with darts volunteers who provide visitor companionship (65 served) and respite care (34 served). In 2014, darts answered 2,374 phone inquiries, coached 281 caregivers, and educated 64 working caregivers through eldercare seminars. Service coordinators worked with 425 older adults in need of services.

other programs darts' learning buddies program allows adult volunteers to share their time and knowledge with elementary students in fostering reading, math, and science skills, which improves literacy, bridges the generations, and provides support to community schools. In 2014, 118 learning buddies volunteers provided 7,067 hours of service in 39 schools.