A Seniors Around Town rider Nancy Siu heads to an appointment with a volunteer driver Mary Arnerich-King. The Orinda-based program, which relies entirely on donations and volunteer drivers, recently received a $30,000 Contra Costa County grant to help restore pre-pandemic service hours and support its mission of keeping seniors independent and connected.
Seniors Around Town, the volunteer-based transportation program that has served Orinda’s older adults for two decades, received a significant financial boost after Contra Costa County Supervisor, District 2, Candace Andersen recommended the non-profit for a one-time $30,000 Contra Costa Community Impact Fund award.
In a letter to Program Manager Eloise Sotelo, Andersen praised the program’s long-standing commitment to helping seniors remain independent.
“Your dedication to serving our community and improving the quality of life for Contra Costa residents truly exemplifies the spirit of this program,” Andersen wrote. “Congratulations once again on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for your continued commitment to building a stronger and more vibrant Contra Costa County.”
The grant was approved by the full Board of Supervisors at their Nov. 18 board meeting.
First grant of its kind for SAT
Sotelo said the award marks a milestone for Seniors Around Town (SAT), which has operated primarily through private donations since its founding.
“This is the first time we have received a grant of this size and from the County,” she said. “The grant acknowledges the importance of SAT for our city. It also supports countywide efforts to support seniors and dependent adults who can no longer drive with their desire to stay independent in their homes.”
Sotelo added that donations slowed significantly this past year.
“The economy has slowed down, as anyone purchasing groceries or advocating for donations has discovered,” she said. “In Orinda particularly, fundraising efforts have mostly focused on supporting our excellent schools. Unlike other neighboring cities like Lafayette, the City of Orinda does not provide financial support to our senior transportation program. Donations to our program therefore are essential.”
Reduced service hours due to budget strain
Facing a deficit, SAT was forced to trim its operating hours.
“The service hours for our ride program were reduced three hours per day due to the need to staff our office during rides in case of emergency,” Sotelo said.
SAT’s volunteer drivers – all Orinda residents who use their own cars – provide transportation to medical appointments, errands and social outings for seniors and dependent adults who can no longer drive. With the new county funding, Sotelo hopes the program can rebuild in 2026.
“Looking forward to 2026, we hope to receive enough private donations from our annual fundraising drive, combined with the county grant, to meet our 2026 budget goals,” she said.
The $30,000 grant is expected to cover almost half of SAT’s projected 2026 expenses.
“We are going to continue to pursue private donations so that we can reach those goals,” Sotelo added.
‘Neighbors helping neighbors’
Sotelo emphasized the importance of community support.
“Our senior and dependent adult population who are no longer able to drive are among our most vulnerable community members,” she said. “For them to remain independent in their homes, they must have reliable transportation for medical appointments, errands such as grocery shopping and social events. These rides connect our community members who participate in our program with one another, which decreases isolation for both the driver and the riders. It’s neighbors helping neighbors.”
She added that SAT welcomes both donations and new volunteer drivers.
“We obviously need continued private donations,” she said. “But we also need new volunteers to drive. Paying it forward!”
A rider’s perspective
For rider Stephen Munich, 66, who has lived in Orinda since 2019, SAT has filled a critical need.
“I love that it takes the pressure off my wife or others to drive me,” he said. “I’ve met some interesting people, including two Miramonte parents who were volunteer drivers.”
Munich uses the service primarily for medical appointments in Concord and Walnut Creek.
“Some of us cannot drive anymore, and the volunteers substitute for Ubers or taxis – it’s a more reliable service,” he said. “Often, if I prearranged Uber, they don’t show up.”
County priorities align with SAT’s mission
Supervisor Andersen said SAT’s mission fits squarely within the county’s goals for supporting older adults.
“Transportation is one of the most significant barriers older adults face, and programs like SAT directly align with the County’s age-friendly and equity-focused goals,” Andersen said. “By providing mobility support, SAT reduces isolation, increases access to health care and helps seniors stay connected.”
She added that the award recognizes the strength of community-based volunteer programs.
“I hope Orinda residents see this award as recognition of the meaningful, hands-on work happening right in their own community, and as encouragement to stay engaged,” Andersen said. “When we invest in local services, we strengthen our community’s ability to care for one another.”
Looking ahead
Sotelo, who previously supervised programs for Contra Costa County Aging and Adult Services, said the work remains deeply meaningful.
“I love the contact with the riders and drivers who are a group of interesting and kind individuals,” she said. “There is the additional huge bonus of working with the SAT staff and The Orinda Association board members, a group of the most dedicated individuals I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.”
Sotelo added her gratitude to the community and to The Orinda News.
“We obtained six new drivers and some donations from the previous articles written by The Orinda News,” she said. “Your support means the world to us.”
To learn more about the SAT program, to donate or volunteer, visit orindaassociation.org/seniors-around-town or call 925.402.4506.