What if the key to a longer, healthier life was as simple as getting out of the house and riding in a van with friends?
That’s what Serita Lacasse, Executive Director of Senior Access, is proving every single day in Round Rock, Texas.
On the latest episode of the Rock Solid podcast, Serita sat down with Bryan Eisenberg to talk about what’s really helping seniors thrive. Hint: It’s not fancy tech. It’s connection.
Senior Access has been rolling since 1993. Back then, they were just a few volunteers driving seniors to the doctor. Since then, the name has changed (from Round Rock Caregivers to Faith in Action to Drive a Senior to what it is now), but the mission hasn’t budged: help seniors stay independent and connected.
Today, they run a tight system that includes vans, paid drivers, and a whole lot of heart. These vans don’t just take folks to medical appointments and grocery stores. They’re lifelines—to potlucks, bingo nights, and new friendships. Because here’s the truth: loneliness is deadly. Social isolation leads to worse health outcomes, from depression to dementia. So when Senior Access adds laughter and community to the ride, they’re not just giving a lift. They’re saving lives.
Every new senior starts with a personal visit. A coordinator shows up, asks questions, checks for safety, and figures out what kind of help they really need. Some get rides. Some get errands done. Some just need a friend.
That’s where volunteers come in. They’re not just drivers. They’re “senior buddies.” They walk dogs. They help with shopping. They chat. They listen. And they change lives—both theirs and the seniors’.
What makes Round Rock special, Serita says, is that this community shows up. Churches pitch in. Businesses like Dell step up. Volunteers range from teenagers earning service hours to families showing their kids what kindness looks like.
And yet, too many people still don’t know about Senior Access.
That’s the biggest gap. Not funding. Not vans. Awareness. Some seniors don’t ask for help because they don’t know help exists. That’s why volunteers and word-of-mouth are so important. It’s how trust is built—one real connection at a time.
Want to help? You don’t need to be retired. You don’t need special training. You just need time, a car, and the desire to make someone’s day a little better.
Want to volunteer? Want to donate? Want to spread the word?
Go to SeniorAccessTX.org. They’ll get you started.
Because this isn’t just about giving a ride. It’s about giving hope. And in a world moving too fast, maybe the best thing we can do is slow down, pick someone up, and make them feel like they still belong.
Transcript:
Bryan Eisenberg:
Welcome to Rock Solid, the Round Rock Business Leaders podcast. I’m your host, Bryan Eisenberg, and today I’m joined by Serita Lacasse, Executive Director of Senior Access.
We’re diving into the history, mission, and future of one of Round Rock’s most impactful nonprofits—an organization helping seniors stay independent, connected, and thriving.
The Many Names of Senior Access
Bryan:
Let’s start with the name changes. People might’ve known your organization by other names. What’s the story there?
Serita Lacasse:
Oh yes, we’ve changed names a few times! We started in 1993 as Round Rock Caregivers. The first ride we gave was in 1994. Then we helped start Pflugerville Caregivers. Eventually, we merged and became Faith in Action Senior Access because of a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
But… that name caused confusion. A pastor once thought we were a church ministry! So, we changed to Drive a Senior, which I still love because it’s so direct.
Later, we decided to go back to Senior Access. That’s where we are now, though we may change again. Either way, the mission stays the same.
A Mission That Hasn’t Changed
Serita:
From the beginning, our mission has been clear—help seniors remain independent and reduce social isolation.
When we started, there were no Ubers, no taxis. It was all volunteer drivers. Now, we’ve added vans. These vans take people to Walmart, H-E-B, and community outings. One of our riders literally just picks up a box of Rice-A-Roni every week, but she rides for the social time.
Over 78% of our rides now are van-based. The vans are more than transport—they’re connection. We’ve shifted from just medical rides to building community.
The Power of Social Interaction
Bryan:
Social isolation isn’t just about feeling alone—it has serious health effects. How do you see that in your work?
Serita:
Oh absolutely. Seniors who lose a spouse or don’t want to “bother” their busy kids often withdraw. They stop eating well. They get depressed. Their minds suffer.
That’s why our social programs matter so much. On our vans, riders celebrate birthdays, play music from the 20s to the 80s, and create real friendships. These are people who might otherwise never leave their homes.
Capturing and Honoring Senior Stories
Serita:
One of our favorite riders just passed away at 91. She always wore funky sunglasses. Everyone loved her. Now, our van riders get to mourn her together. That sense of connection is priceless.
We need to do better at capturing these stories. One of our clients, Gracie, played baseball back in the day—when women just didn’t do that. That’s a story worth telling.
How to Get Started with Senior Access
Bryan:
If someone wants to get help from your organization for their parents, how do they start?
Serita:
Easy. Call us at 512-310-1060 or go to senioraccesstx.org. Our coordinator will come visit, assess the situation, and explain everything.
We look at the whole picture—transportation, meals, income, safety. Then we make referrals and get them connected.
More Than Rides: A Social Calendar
Serita:
We don’t just take people to the doctor. We plan monthly social outings. This month we’re going to Stone Hill in Pflugerville for lunch. Next month, we’ll host an Easter party and potluck.
And the potlucks? They’re amazing. The vans become like families. Everyone brings a dish and sits together. It’s beautiful.
We even created a Client Council to let seniors decide what they want to do. It’s their voice that matters, not just mine.
Volunteering: So Much More Than Driving
Bryan:
How can people volunteer?
Serita:
It’s super easy. Go to senioraccesstx.org and fill out the online application. Training is online too. You pick your own schedule. You can drive, walk dogs, shop for groceries, or just spend time talking.
We have teen volunteers in the summer who ride the vans and help out. Parents can bring their kids along. Seniors love little ones. They form real bonds.
A Special Community for Aging in Place
Bryan:
You’ve lived in Round Rock a long time. What makes this a great place for seniors?
Serita:
I’ve been here since 1979. The people care. The city council, the mayor, the schools—everyone contributes. We have the amazing Baca Center. Tons of free events. Churches that open their doors to all.
It’s a growing community, but still close-knit if you’re active. Nonprofits, businesses, and churches all work together. That’s rare.
Supporting Each Other in Round Rock
Bryan:
What’s the secret sauce that makes Round Rock work so well?
Serita:
Communication. People talk. Dell made a big difference by supporting nonprofits with pro bono days and volunteer groups. The churches have always shown up. Once you meet someone, they refer you to someone else, and that chain just keeps growing.
Final Thoughts
Bryan:
How many seniors do you serve right now?
Serita:
We give about 350 rides a week. That’s roughly 350 to 400 active seniors a month. We serve Round Rock, Pflugerville, Hutto, East Austin, and Manor.
But we know there are thousands more who don’t even know we exist. That’s why we need people to spread the word.
Want to Get Involved?
📞 Call: 512-310-1060
🌐 Website: senioraccesstx.org
📧 Email: serita@senioraccesstx.org
You’ll change a life. Maybe your own.
