About Care-A-Ride, Serving the Black Hills since 2019

Our Story

Care-A-Ride was started in May of 2019. The owner, Dawn Pence, had a vision of a service-oriented business where people could get loving care while being transported to their medical appointments and having an advocate at their appointments to ensure they received the best care possible. She also envisioned a business that helped people, particularly senior citizens, with grocery pickup or shopping, postal services, and other needs as they arise. Her goal is to help seniors be able to live independently as long as possible. Services are not limited to just seniors, however, but are also for busy professionals and families.

Ms. Pence is a long-time resident of Rapid City. She is a mother of 4 and grandmother to 8. She graduated from one of our South Dakota universities. Ms. Pence loves living in the Black Hills area and enjoys hiking, fishing, gardening, playing cards, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Some of Our More Popular Services

If you do not see a service you need, please ask us!

Transportation

Transportation to Medical Appointments or Procedures where we pick you up at your door and accompany you inside to your appointment to ensure a smooth check-in. We also offer Advocacy Services where we will be with you during your appointment to ensure you get the best care possible. A written report can be done for your family, if requested, about your appointment. We now offer WHEELCHAIR transportation!

Errands

We offer grocery pickup, grocery shopping, post office services, gift shopping, and other errand services.

Other Services

We offer services such as assistance with filling out paperwork, picking up prescriptions, taking you to the bank and hair appointments, and more.

What Our Clients Are Saying

I highly recommend this service! Dawn has been transporting my son with a disability for over a year. My son enjoys her company. I appreciate knowing he is in safe hands. This is a great service for busy families who have a loved one who needs a little more care and attention than public transportation can provide. Dawn is extremely dependable, pleasant, and safe. HIGHLY recommended. Kathy D., Rapid City, SD

I hired Dawn with Care-A-Ride to transport a seriously ill cancer patient from Sturgis to Rapid City Regional daily for many, many months. She got him to his appointments, sat in on consultations, kept me informed about treatments, etc., and stopped off to pick up meds. It was such an extremely difficult time and Dawn was such a great help through it all. Highly recommended. Candy Kimmel, Sturgis, SD

Dawn with Care-A-Ride is always on time. She is very helpful getting me in and out of the car. She is knowledgeable and friendly. I would highly recommend Care-A-Ride. Connie B, Rapid City, SD

I used the services of CARE-A-RIDE May 4, 2021
1. The driver, Dawn, arrived on time (right to the minute) to pick me up at my door for my procedure at Monument Health. She had allowed plenty of time for the trip of 30 miles. 2. Her car was roomy and still smelled new. I was immediately impressed by her dignity and manners. 3. She obeyed all traffic laws. She made me feel safe while I rode with her. She recognized my sense of urgency as I explained my need for a ride instead of driving myself. 4. We arrived at my destination a little bit early, and she made sure I was immediately attended to at Monument. She watched as I entered the building and the Monument folks started checking me "IN." 5. The driver had given me a business card with her name and cell number on it, and I presented that to the care nurse that was in charge of me. 6. When the procedure was over and I was allowed to walk around again, she arrived "ON TIME" to pick me up for the ride HOME! 7. After a pleasant trip back home, I didn't need help getting back inside my house, but she offered anyway. She even watched as I unlocked the front door and went inside. She and I waved good-bye and she was off to help someone else. I highly recommend Care-A-Ride. By the way, the cost of the ride was well within my budget. I have a fixed income.
Paul M., Hermosa, SD

About Us

Insured

State of South Dakota Background Checked

FBI Fingerprinted and Background Checked

Certified Transport Specialists

Defensive Driving Certified

CPR/AED Certified

Care-A-Ride