The “On the Go” program from Jewish Family Service of San Diego is a transportation initiative that aims to help older adults by providing accessible and affordable transportation options.
Several critical services are designed to meet the needs of seniors: One, called Rides & Smiles, relies on volunteers who drive seniors to medical appointments, grocery shopping trips, and other essential errands. Additionally, the program offers a shuttle service that takes groups of older adults to grocery stores, social events, and religious services. It also organizes excursions, which are planned trips to cultural, recreational, and social destinations, helping to combat loneliness and isolation. Overall, the program is designed to be flexible, customizable, and responsive, ensuring that seniors can continue participating in community life, attend appointments, and maintain their independence as long as possible.
Longtime On the Go volunteer driver Betty Carroll shares her experience driving seniors with Jewish Family Service of San Diego over the years. Those interested in becoming a volunteer driver can call (858) 637-3210 or fill out this form. More information on the On the Go program can be found here.
What made you want to volunteer for this organization?
I was already a volunteer with two other organizations, but a friend who was a scheduler for Rides & Smiles thought that I needed something else to do! I was somewhat familiar with the program from talking to her, and it sounded like a good way to meet and help some nice people. Plus, I could fit rides around my other obligations.
What do your volunteer duties entail?
Duties as a driver for Rides & Smiles are easy: contact clients who have requested rides, pick those clients up at an appointed time, drive them to their destination, and sometimes return to take the clients back home again. In my case, I have chosen to exclusively drive a visually impaired man for the last two years and stay with him at his appointments or assist him in grocery shopping.
Can you describe your favorite or most memorable volunteering experience?
It is hard to select a favorite experience. I have met some fascinating people: a 100-year-old gentleman who came to San Diego in his 40s and started a business (when I was driving him, he was going to play bridge every week), and a senior lady (I would rather not disclose her age) who lived in England during WWII, moved to the US in 1947, and had an exciting career path, including some jobs that would have been considered “man’s work” when she undertook them. My most memorable might be helping my visually impaired rider during his mother’s illness and her death.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
The biggest challenge is that it’s hard not to want to take as many rides as possible, as so many people need assistance. That is why I have been the exclusive driver for both the “senior lady” and the visually impaired man.
Any advice for someone considering volunteering?
Just do it! You really set your own schedule by accepting only the rides you want to take and you can meet some interesting people along the way.
