Darts

Transportation- darts has provided services for older adults for over 50 years. In 1974, darts started as a grant program to provide educational opportunities for seniors. Transportation services were soon offered when getting to the classes proved to be a barrier for seniors' participation. Today, darts provides a dependable personalized transportation service to riders throughout southeast twin cities area. Drivers are trained specialized transit providers and are dementia friends. Riders pay based upon income or ride the affordable loop circulator buses operating weekly in cottage grove, hastings, south st. Paul, west st. Paul, lakeville and edina. Senior living buildings schedule their group to ride the darts bus for errands and entertainment. 8,605 rides were provided in 2024, keeping seniors connected in the community. One rider noted, "darts drivers are great; caring, passionate, and friendly."

Home services- darts provides household services that assist older adults in maintaining the life they choose in the home of their choice. These services also provide a vital personal connection for the older homeowners. Staff and volunteers provide services that include home repairs, housekeeping tasks (including laundry and meal preparation), and outdoor chores (such as lawn care and snow shoveling). In 2024, darts provided home services to 447 older adults with 8,032 service hours. 97% of those assisted reported that darts helped them remain in their homes and community and 91% said we reduced their isolation. Partnership with proact, inc. For home helpers is increasing our home cleaning capacity. In 2024, we are shifted to all volunteers for outdoor chores, reducing the overall number of people we were able to serve. In fall 2024, we began providing home repairs and outdoor chores in southern ramsey county.

General- in 2024, darts assisted over 2,100 program participants. 53 staff members and 994 volunteers provided over 22,000 units of work. 66% of those helped are at or below 200% of federal poverty levels and 18% are a race other than white. 91% of darts clients report they feel less isolated due to our services. The average client age is 75.