County transportation, meal delivery service seeks community support

GONZALES — Gonzales County Senior Citizens Association is under new directorship. Former GCSCA Transportation Director Robert Cornett, after 13 years, has transitioned into the role of Executive Director. He and Assistant Executive Director Kari Breitschopf, who was the former Transportation Coordinator, have teamed up to make some changes to the organization.

The Gonzales County Senior Citizens Association was formed to provide services and meet the needs and interests of Gonzales County residents who otherwise would not have access to those specific services. The programs provided by GCSCA are intended to allow senior residents to maintain independence and continue being active in the community.

Currently GCSCA operates home-delivered meal and transportation programs.

Cornett said the free transportation services are not just for senior citizens, any resident 18 or older may use the GCSCA service to get around the county. The organization provides transportation to doctors, labs, and pharmacies, as well as, dialysis, shopping, salons, banks, restaurants, work and social events.

The transportation service is free and operated Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. Calls for pick-up need to be arranged 24 hours in advance, by calling 830-672-7014.

The fleet has four wheelchair-lift equipped vans and two cars. Service areas include: Gonzales – within the city limits – daily; Harwood/Waelder - Monday; Ottine/Belmont - Tuesday; Moulton Road – Wednesday; Nixon/Smiley - Thursday; and Cheapside – Friday.

The transportation service is funded by necessity, so the more passengers the more funds are generated.

The organization also delivers 600 meals a week to help those who are unable to cook, have limited mobility, are homebound or without local family.

The meal delivery also gives GCSCA a chance to look in on clients and do a wellness check.

According to Cornett the program has recently seen cuts in State and Federal funding.

"We are not paid for the entire expense of what it takes to prepare and deliver the meal," Cornett said. "As a result, it now becomes the responsibility of this organization to absorb the difference."

Cornette said many of the meal recipients cannot pay for their meals, because they are on fixed incomes.

"We are reaching out to the community for support," Cornett said. "We have increased expenses and diminishing funding."

Expenses involved in the food program are driver payroll, vehicle maintenance and insurance, paper supplies, cleaning items, gloves, food trays and much more.

Donations to the service may be made in person at 818 Seydler Street, or by check to P.O. box 1834, Gonzales, Texas 78629.