Hamilton-Wenham COA Van Service
 

How Does It Work?

By now, most of you have seen the shinny, new, white and blue Council On Aging van driving through the streets of Hamilton and Wenham.  The arrival of this van has long been anticipated and is the culmination of many years of hard work and diligence by many dedicated and concerned citizens of Hamilton and Wenham as well as the area agency on aging, SeniorCare, in Gloucester.  Senior citizens and disabled people of all ages have been thrilled to use this long awaited transportation service.  They know that it is a key element in maintaining their independence, freedom and happiness as well as often allowing them to stay in their own homes and apartments.

The following are questions that are regularly asked about the COA van service.

Besides providing transportation to senior citizens in Hamilton and Wenham, does the Council On Aging Van Program provide service to any other town residents?  

Yes, besides servicing Hamilton and Wenham seniors who are 60 year of age or older, the COA Van Program provides transportation to handicapped citizens of all ages including those that are in wheelchairs.  The van is equipped with a special wheelchair lift and all van drivers have been through a special training program so that they can provide transportation to the handicapped.

I have used COA van to get to the meal site and doctors appointments, is there anything else that I can use the van for?

This is a question that is often asked.  The van program’s main objective is to help provide and support independence in the lives of senior citizens and the handicapped.  Thus, the van can bring its riders to hair appointments, grocery shopping, visits with friends, restaurants, churches, libraries and meetings with different organizations as well as just about any destination within the Hamilton and Wenham town lines.

Does the van go to any places outside of Hamilton and Wenham?

The van regularly goes to the Beverly Hospital Campus for doctor visits as well as the North Beverly Shopping Plazas.  One can also go to the Bennett Center at Gordon College for swimming, exercising or physical therapy.  On the fourth Saturday of each month a Rotary volunteer drives the van to the Peabody and Danvers Malls.  Seniors are picked up at their residences starting at 10 a.m. and returned by 2 p.m.  A donation of $1 is kindly accepted.  Reservations must be made by the day before the trip.

Does the van program provide any special services?

The van is now available to bring senior citizens and the handicapped to vote in Hamilton and Wenham.  It is also available to bring these citizens to the annual town meetings with advance notice.

Does the van ever do special trips?

Yes, the van is available after its regular hours and Saturdays and Sundays for special trips outside of the Hamilton and Wenham town lines such as shopping trips to The Christmas Tree Shops, shows at the Northshore Music Theatre, museums and theatre trips to Boston, movies, restaurants and just about any trip that one can imagine.  All one has to do to arrange this type of trip is to make sure a volunteer driver is available and a sufficient amount of people are interested in going to this destination.

How do I become a volunteer driver?

A volunteer driver must have a good driving record, be of sound health and provide three good references.  He/she must also have an amicable personality and a good sense of humor.

Is there a fee for these transportation services?

Although there is no fee for these services, a voluntary donation of $1 per trip is welcomed.  The donations collected will go towards the maintenance of the van program.

Is there anything else I need to know about the COA Van Program?

The hours for van services are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Reservations are arranged on a first come first serve basis by calling 978-468-5534. Please call a day in advance or up to one week in advance if it is convenient.  Please keep in mind, that we are always open to, and warmly encourage, new ideas concerning special or regular trips. We are here to provide as much support and independence in the lives of our riders as possible and in a safe, friendly  and joyful manner.

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If you have further questions concerning van transportation, are willing to share some new ideas for trips or wish to volunteer as a van driver,  please contact the COA Van Office at 978-468-5534.