Volunteer Drivers Keep Seniors Connected to the Community

Seniors need transportation for many reasons. Mainly to get where they need to go, however it may be because they no longer drive, they need help in accessing services, and even because they want or need socialization. In rural Green County, seniors who don’t drive may find themselves isolated and disconnected from the communities where they have lived and worked for many years. Some seniors even say, “If you limit your driving, you limit your life.”
Volunteer driver programs, like the ADRC’s Driver Escort program, reduce those limitations by making transportation available to destinations in other cities, counties, and even states. In 2015, volunteer drivers all across Green County worked 1,073 hours and drove 23,092 miles. So where were these volunteers going? Well, 80% of their trips were medical related, so making sure your neighbors and friends who don’t drive got to their doctor appointments. The other 20% were for shopping or socialization.
Volunteer drivers have flexible schedules since there is no set time or day you will be asked, our requests for drivers are based on need from the community. Drivers are also reimbursed for each mile they drive.
If you or someone you know would be interested in learning more about being a volunteer driver with the Aging & Disability Resource Center, please call (608) 328-9499.