What we do
STARS is an ALL-VOLUNTEER initiative that has used extraordinary community spirit and dedication to create a highly praised organization with a singular mission:
“To provide non-emergency medical rides to Sisters’ residents who are unable to drive themselves.”
How we started
In 2017 a resident group, Senior Alliance, conducted a survey of what was needed for Sisters to be a more supportive and age-friendly community. Medical appointment transportation challenges were in the top three of the needs identified. Concurrently, AFSC (Age Friendly Sisters Country) was formed as a 501c3 organization designed to help initiatives such as Sisters Transportation and Ride Share (STARS) get off the ground. In November 2019, STARS became AFSC’s first Action Team.
Impressive growth
STARS’ first ride was on March 1, 2020, one week before COVID-19 hit. It was a scramble to make sure passenger and driver safety and health protocols were in place and acceptable. As a testament to how much of a transportation need existed, STARS grew steadily while other ride-share services stopped providing rides. By July 2023 STARS had thirty drivers, ten dispatchers, and one hundred fifty passengers. They provided over a thousand rides, drove over 50,000 miles, and delivered over 7000 volunteer hours to the community.
Transportation is a crucial determinant of rural health. High costs negatively impact people who need to get to medical appointments, but availability is also an issue. STARS helps address both. Passengers continually tell us they have no idea what they would do without STARS. And it is our honor to serve them.
