What we do
Powered by extraordinary Volunteer spirit and dedication, STARS delivers a highly praised community service with a singular mission:
“To provide non-emergency medical rides to Sisters’ residents who are unable to drive themselves.”
Photo courtesy of Wendy Birnbaum - Ruby the Red Car, courtesy of Karen Shadley
Our story
A 2017 community-led initiative identified medical appointment transportation as one of the primary challenges affecting livability for Sisters Country residents. Determined it was a difficulty worth tackling, a passionate volunteer group created the STARS organization with Age Friendly Sisters Country fiscal sponsorship. STARS completed its first ride in March 2020, steadily becoming known for its friendly professional service and reliability. By late 2023, organizers knew it was time to take the next steps so in July 2024 STARS became an independent 501c3 nonprofit organization with an impressive Board of Directors.
STARS grew steadily even during COVID restrictions while other ride-share services stopped providing rides. STARS volunteers knew there was a need for medical rides in the community and this growth was proof to them that medical transportation was a problem, and volunteers could be a part of the solution. STARS continues to operate as an all-volunteer while seeking ways to build capacity and sustainability.
Our Impact
In 2025, STARS provided 832 roundtrip medical rides, with Volunteer drivers traveling nearly 40,000 miles to ensure neighbors could access the care they need. Behind the scenes, Volunteer dispatchers devoted 520 hours actively coordinating rides, along with hundreds more hours monitoring phones so passengers and drivers could reach STARS quickly in the event of an emergency.
Our Volunteer staff and Board of Directors worked tirelessly to manage funding, policies, and people—always guided by the understanding that STARS is a vital Sisters community service. Without it, many residents with mobility, vision, hearing, and other challenges would struggle to reach essential medical appointments.
Transportation is a critical determinant of rural health. In a community like Sisters, cost and accessibility can make it difficult for those who cannot drive to age in place. Passengers regularly tell us they don’t know what they would do without STARS—and it is truly our honor to serve them.
