ARISE in need of donations

By Katie Cole (Contact) | Alex City Outlook

Published Tuesday, September 22, 2009

The number of people using public transportation provided by the Area Referral and Information Service for the Elderly (ARISE) has remained steady during the last two years even as donations decreased.

“We must have our matching local funds to receive our federal funds,” ARISE director Pat Tapley said. “It’s been tight in the past, but this year it’s much harder.”

Alexander City provides ARISE with office and parking spaces, but the organization relies on federal grants and donations to provide public transportation in Tallapoosa County.

The towns the vans visit each day vary and include Alexander City, Ourtown, Dadeville, New Site and Hackneyville.

ARISE began in 1976 with two staff members. Today it employs two full-time drivers, two part-time drivers, an administrative assistant and Tapley. ARISE drivers transport about 25 people per day.

Most of the passengers are older, but the services are available to the public. Most passengers use ARISE to go to doctor’s appointments, shopping, work or the gym.

Ronnie Thomas has used the ARISE vans once a week for the last 21 years to visit the gym at the Central Alabama Community College. Thomas said he enjoys using ARISE and the vans are always on time.

“It provides transportation to a lot of people who don’t have it,” Tapley said.

Tapley said the ARISE transportation is important because many of the people who use the program are older or disabled and unable to drive on their own. ARISE allows them to keep their independence and not depend on family members and friends for daily activities.

Round trips within Alexander City cost $6 for adults, and $5 for children and the elderly. Round trips outside Alexander City cost between $6 and $14 depending on the destination.

Extra stops will add to the cost.

To schedule a pick up or for more information, call 329-8444.

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