(L to R) Westchester County Board of Legislators representative Benjamin Boykin, New York State Senator Shelley B. Mayer, TRA Board of Directors Vice Chairman Hope Miller, TRA President Catherine Wynkoop
On April 23, 2025, New York State Senator Shelley B. Mayer presented a $10,000 grant to TRA Group, Inc. at the organization’s Volunteer Appreciation Afternoon Tea held at Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts. The grant, which supports operating costs for TRA’s non-emergency medical transportation services, will help fund vehicle expenses, fuel, tolls, staff driver salaries, and other operational needs—enabling TRA to reach even more individuals in Westchester’s most underserved communities.
The funding will help TRA expand access to its medical ride program, particularly for low-English-speaking residents who often face barriers in obtaining essential healthcare. As TRA continues to experience growing demand, this timely grant supports the organization’s ongoing mission to ensure that older adults and adults with low vision can attend critical appointments and remain safely connected to their communities.
Senator Mayer shared: “I am pleased to secure $10,000 in state funding for TRA Inc. to help with operational costs and to expand access to its medical ride program for non-English speaking communities throughout Westchester. TRA does extraordinary work providing essential transportation to our neighbors who are unable to drive themselves or need rides to medical appointments, improving accessibility and independence for so many Westchester and Putnam residents. I thank Catherine Wynkoop, President of TRA Inc., her team, and the wonderful volunteers for their continued commitment to our community.”
“We are so grateful to Senator Mayer for recognizing the value of TRA’s work and for her support in helping us expand service for those who need it most,” said Catherine Wynkoop, President of TRA. “This funding allows us to meet the demand for rides and further strengthens our ability to serve non-English-speaking communities with compassion, dignity, and consistency.”
TRA was also joined at the presentation by Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and Westchester County Board of Legislators representative Benjamin Boykin, who have both been strong champions for community-based services across the region. Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit of support among local leaders working to improve quality of life for Westchester residents.
As demand grows, TRA continues to expand its capacity—recently onboarding new volunteers, which has resulted in a significant increase in completed rides. The organization is also working to secure two wheelchair-accessible Toyota Sienna vans to better meet the needs of riders with mobility challenges.
TRA’s check presentation took place during the organization’s Volunteer Appreciation Month celebration, an annual tradition that honors the many individuals who donate their time to drive neighbors to medical appointments throughout the year.
About TRA Group, Inc. TRA is a nonprofit organization that promotes the independence, safety, and mobility of older adults and adults with disabilities across Westchester, the lower Hudson Valley, and parts of southwest Fairfield County, CT. Since 2011, TRA has provided more than 38,000 free, non-emergency medical rides and connected thousands more to services through its TRA Resource Hub, a free online platform offering 24/7 access to hundreds of aging and disability support services. Visit my-tra.org to learn more or become a volunteer
