Voluntary Action Center - Sycamore, Illinois

Introduction to the Voluntary Action Center

The Voluntary Action Center (VAC) stands as a vital resource within the Sycamore, Illinois community. It operates as a non-profit organization and a dedicated social services organization, providing essential transportation and support to individuals facing mobility challenges. Located at 1606 Bethany Rd, Sycamore, IL 60178, VAC plays a crucial role in ensuring that vulnerable members of the community can access vital appointments, services, and social engagements. Individuals seeking assistance can easily reach the center by dialing Phone: 57583932. For more detailed information, including scheduling options and program specifics, visitors can explore their website at Website: vacdk.com.

Core Services and Specializations

VAC’s primary focus revolves around providing accessible transportation solutions. They cater to individuals who, due to age, disability, or other circumstances, are unable to drive themselves. The organization diligently coordinates rides to medical appointments, therapy sessions, social events, and other essential destinations. Their commitment extends beyond simply providing transportation; they strive to create a welcoming and supportive experience for all clients. The center’s dedication to accessibility is evident in several key features, including a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot, demonstrating a genuine commitment to inclusivity and equal access to services. This focus on practical support underscores their role as a cornerstone of the community’s social safety net.

Location and Accessibility

The physical location at 1606 Bethany Rd in Sycamore is strategically chosen to be easily accessible. The center’s commitment to accessibility is demonstrated through these features, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for all users. The surrounding area offers various amenities, and the location benefits from good visibility and ease of navigation. The center’s convenient location, coupled with its accessible facilities, makes it a valuable resource for those requiring transportation assistance.

Feedback and Reputation

The Voluntary Action Center consistently receives positive feedback from the community, as evidenced by its impressive average opinion of 4.2/5 on Google My Business. With 36 reviews, these testimonials paint a compelling picture of the organization's dedication to client satisfaction and impactful service delivery. Many users emphasize the personable and kind nature of the drivers, highlighting a key element contributing to the positive experience. Frequently mentioned is the necessity of the service, particularly for those unable to manage independent transportation. A recurring theme within the reviews is the importance of advance notice, though it’s generally acknowledged that this is a necessary component of coordinating long-distance trips. It's clear that VAC’s success stems from a combination of reliable service, compassionate staff, and a genuine desire to improve the lives of its clients. The organization’s generosity and the wonderful people who comprise it are consistently praised.

Key Features and Benefits

• Accessible Transportation: Provides safe and reliable transportation to various appointments and events.
• Dedicated Drivers: Employ drivers known for their kindness, helpfulness, and professionalism.
• Community Support: Serves as a vital resource for vulnerable individuals in the Sycamore area.
• Convenient Location: Situated at a easily accessible address with accessible facilities.

Contact Information and Resources

To learn more about VAC’s services or to schedule a ride, individuals are encouraged to contact the center directly. The phone number 57583932 is readily available for inquiries. The comprehensive website, vacdk.com, offers detailed information about programs, eligibility requirements, and volunteer opportunities. The center’s website also features frequently asked questions and contact forms for streamlined communication. Furthermore, VAC actively engages with the community through local events and partnerships, solidifying its role as a trusted and respected organization.

👍 Reviews of Voluntary Action Center

Justine W.

4/5

VAC is amazing. Their drivers are extremely personable and kind to all their patients. And the service itself is extremely necessary for those ethno can't getaround on their own. The only downfall is the extreme advance notice they need for long distance appointments. Which really isn't their fault. This place is full of generous, wonderful people.

Fee

4/5

Blessed to at least have this transportation service. Wish that it ran at least half days on weekends. The drivers are very nice and the dispatchers have gotten better. The 2nd Green line is awesome. I do hope to see more buses running for the Sycamore route. Overall, this service has come along way.

Kathleen C.

5/5

Stopped in here with a client to get updated information on the new bus and Transvac schedule's and fee's.

The young woman who explained in detail was most helpful in addition gave my client a brochure with the updated information which was just printed that same day.

These folks here are most pleasant.

A. L.

1/5

if i could give 0 stars, i would. if i could give negative stars, i would. the call center was very helpful and did the best they could. route 23b left an entire minute ahead of schedule and did not stop when i was knocking on their door to get the drivers attention. The driver made eye contact with me several times and refused to stop. I called the help center and they asked him if this had occurred. I could hear in his voice that he had been caught. He sheepishly said “uhhhhhhh no” and i could hear his voice trembling. The help center said that was all they could do, and i’m glad they were able to at least try to remedy the situation. The bus is scheduled to ARRIVE at 4:00 but instead it left at 3:58. the next bus isn’t for several more hours. It is winter. I have my family i need to get home to, Driver left early, made eye contact with me, chose consciously to leave me behind and then lied to the call center about what happened, leaving the poor call center employee with no choice but to leave me here.

Kelsey W.

1/5

Trans Vac does not get enough funding to serve the needs of all disabled residents of DeKalb, let alone disabled students at NIU.

Any time that myself or other disabled community members or NIU students try to address this, we are admonished and told how hard the drivers work.

Yes, the drivers work very hard. No one is criticizing the drivers.

We are criticizing our lack of equal access to public transportation, which was guaranteed under our civil rights legislation, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 30 years ago.

And while Trans VAC may be a charity, we are not charity cases. We do not have accept and be happy with whatever the City of DeKalb is willing to give us by way of accessible transportation. I was forced to leave DeKalb because of the lack of affordable electric wheelchair accessible housing, but those who remain have a right to speak out and demand better.

Emily S.

1/5

The called me a month before my wedding to tell me they had already booked an event for that day and couldn’t cater mine. I had been trying to reach them for 7 months to sign a contract and they were not responsive. Then when I contacted them a month out they told me they couldn’t cater my wedding.

Rory C.

1/5

Most NIU students I know, myself included, have either:

1) Never gotten a response when we tried to contact or sign up for TransVac

2) Been told TransVac did not have rides available for us

This means that many of us, including myself, have paid out of pocket for transportation to classes, practica or internships, medical appointments, mental health appointments, etc.

The disabled and chronically ill students of NIU and residents of DeKalb are guaranteed equal access to transportation under the ADA.

Barbara C.

5/5

The man that took me to my appointment was very nice it was a long ride he was soo nice and talked to me the whole time it kept me from all the nervous thoughts I had about going... Ty Bob nice guy!!...