GODDARD — The city of Goddard has launched an accessible shuttle service for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Seniors can schedule rides in advance within Goddard city limits, including transportation to and from the Goddard Senior Center, 122 N. Main.
The shuttle operates 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday. Reservations can be made by calling (316) 773-6693 and must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Riders must buy $2 trip tokens in advance at City Hall, 118 N. Main.
The shuttle will also allow the senior center to take group trips into Wichita and surrounding areas for tours, events, shopping and other experiences. Mel Hambleton Ford donated a wrap and graphic design services for the shuttle.
The city has also opened the Goddard Area Welcome & Resource HUB at 206 N. Main, which has a lobby where seniors, caregivers, families and community members can find information, free office space and a conference room and a community closet where equipment, supplies and other items can be borrowed or, in some cases, taken.
“The HUB was inspired in part by needs we saw through the Senior Center, including limited space for displaying resources and no private office for professionals to meet confidentially with seniors about Medicare, legal, health and other needs,” said Amanda Treadwell, who co-founded the senior center and chairs the city’s Senior Citizens Advisory Board.
Treadwell said the city hopes to add equipment such as a Cricut machine for crafting, sewing machine, 3D printer, laser engraver “and other creative tools seniors could use for projects or even to create items to sell for extra income.”
And in 2027, there are plans to open a podcast and media room where users can create educational content and record stories.
“All of these efforts connect back to our ‘No Senior Alone’ mission of helping older adults stay connected, supported, valued and involved,” Treadwell said.
Treadwell added that one of her favorite parts of the HUB is that “seniors aren’t only receiving help” there.
“They are volunteering, supporting and serving others, and getting connected to other volunteer opportunities throughout Goddard.”
