How would you like to come and go as you please?
In February 1976, the National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc. (NCCBA) began its senior transportation operations in Springfield, Massachusetts. At its inception, NCCBA was awarded a $98,000 one-year demonstration grant from the Administration on Aging (AoA) to reduce the elderly's susceptibility to crime. Springfield was selected as the project site because of its large number of elderly African Americans, high unemployment rate and high levels of crime against the elderly. Transportation and escort services proved to be an effective strategy as most crime against the elderly occurs while they are commuting to various appointments. The AoA grant funding ended in 1981. NCCBA has been able to continue this vital service since 1981 through funding from the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA), Title IIIB of the Older Americans Act and Social Service Block Grant funds from Greater Springfield Senior Service, the local area agency on aging. In 1986, the agency changed to Massachusetts Service for Seniors Corporation and also kept its affiliation with NCCBA. Although originally establish in support of elderly African Americans, the service has expanded to include all eligible senior & disabled resident Springfield and Indian Orchard.
