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The ARC XVI Fort Washington Senior Center has launched a new door-to-door service titled COASTS, which is intended to enable adults over the age of 50 with transportation needs.
Throughout northern Manhattan, seniors and those with mobility disabilities have a new and accessible service to help them get around the neighborhood, thanks to an effort launched by the ARC XVI Fort Washington Senior Center.
‘COASTS,” an acronym which stands for “Coordinated Older Adult Senior Transportation Services,” launched its program on Fri., Oct. 14th with a celebration held at the restaurant Manolo Tapas, where representatives from the senior center, community leaders and officials joined to celebrate its official. The program endeavors to alleviate the mobility and transportation issues of the aging population in Washington Heights and Inwood.
The door-to-door program welcomes self-directed, disabled individuals with impairments as regards their mobility, or with visual or audio impairments over 50 years of age as well as senior citizens 60 years of age or older. All vehicles are equipped with wheelchair lifts and are ADA accessible.
The service will include ‘mobility facilitators’ that will assist seniors by escorting them through their front door to the door of their destination and back again to ensure safe travel.
“We will pick up seniors at their doorstep and drop them off at their destination, making sure they’re safe. This service is not exclusive for just going to the doctor; we can help transport people to their place of work, families, or anywhere else they want to go,” said Diana Hernandez, assistant executive director at ARC XVI Fort Washington.
The program area covers any destination between 110th Street to 220th Street from the Hudson to the Harlem Rivers. There is no cost to members, but contributions are always welcomed. There is a suggested contribution of $3 for a round trip, and a suggested contribution for monthly-unlimited rides of $20.
“We are not just dedicated to servicing seniors, but also the entire neighborhood and we believe that this program will lead to better quality of life for everyone in the community,” said Hernandez.
The service will operate Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm. Residents interested in using the service should schedule services by calling 212 568 5030 or 212 568 5031.
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