CORONA DEL MAR : Oasis Senior Center to Get Van, Driver

The 3,200-member Oasis Multipurpose Senior Center will get a new van to transport seniors to doctor appointments, grocery stores and other activities early next year.

Money for the van and a driver for one year was donated last week by the Harry and Grace Steele Foundation in Newport Beach, according to Norma Gilchrist, Friends of Oasis president.

“Transportation for seniors is a priority,” Gilchrist said. “Everyone thinks people who come here are rich, but it’s not true. And even if they do have money to eat, they’re lonely.”

Gilchrist said an Oasis community survey of seniors revealed transportation to be the most pressing problem faced. And hiring drivers costs up to $10 an hour or more, she added.

“They live alone and can’t get to the doctor or store or here to join in activities,” she said. “In other words, they’re just stranded. This gift is such a blessing.”

The 24-seat van will have a wheelchair lift for the frail and elderly. The Irvine Co. donated $2,500 to help with the maintenance and operating costs of the vehicle.

The Oasis, located at 800 Marguerite Drive, is jointly funded and managed by the city of Newport Beach and Friends of Oasis, a nonprofit organization.

More than 50 classes and activities are held there for members who come from Irvine, Laguna Beach and Costa Mesa, in addition to Newport Beach.

The center offers meals, shared housing, counseling, health screenings and extensive recreational and educational programs.

“We want to do everything we can to help enrich all senior citizen’s lives, whether it be social activities or human services,” Gilchrist said.