Volunteer Drivers Make the Difference for Seniors in Need

For over 40 years the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County Transportation Program has served to address the needs of ambulatory seniors and the disabled by offering free rides throughout the county. For most individuals getting to a medical or dental appointment, the grocery store, or bank is as simple as jumping in the car or on the local bus. But, for some in the community, it is impossible due to disability, declining health, or the rigors of aging.

Each year, more than one million Americans aged 70 and older stop driving and become dependent on others to meet their transportation needs. According to the Federal Transportation Administration about 3.6 million Americans miss or delay medical appointments every year because they lack a ride to the doctor.

“With an increasing population of local elderly, demand for this service has grown. We’ve always been fortunate to have volunteers step up to meet the need and we look forward to welcoming in more program supporters to sustain our efforts,” states Senior Programs Coordinator Tara Ireland.

The Santa Cruz Transportation phone lines are open Monday through Thursday 9-3, Friday 9-1pm and on average they receive 15 to 30 calls per day.

The program matches volunteer drivers with seniors (55+) and disabled individuals for essential trips to medical appointments, grocery stories, pharmacies, and banks. Rides are provided throughout Santa Cruz County including Watsonville, San Lorenzo Valley, Scotts Valley, and Santa Cruz.

“It is one of the founding programs of the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County and has been 100% volunteer maintained since its inception. All drivers and phone dispatchers are community volunteers. In the last fiscal year we provided over 4080 rides throughout the county. We are proud to maintain a track record of filling 98% of all ride requests and we are always seeking new drivers in order to maintain this level of service,” states Ireland.

Drivers can choose to make as little as one trip a month, or they can drive as often as they wish. They choose their own hours and destinations. All rides happen on weekdays during business hours and drivers receive a small mileage reimbursement. The program attracts an eclectic mix of people including retirees, working individuals, stay-at-home parents, and college students.

“Every day, rain or shine, volunteer drivers show up on doorsteps throughout the county to provide a ride and a helping hand. It is the perfect example of a simple deed that has a huge impact,” states Ireland. “Something as easy as giving someone a ride can mean the difference between living at home or being moved to assisted living. Individuals are able to maintain independence, arrive safely at critical appointments, reconnect with the community, and deter feelings of isolation by getting outside the home.”

Santa Cruz resident Jeffery Furtado sees the critical need for this program and has found great fulfillment in volunteering as a driver with the Transportation Program over the last year. He currently provides rides 2-3 times per week.

“I realized there was a tremendous need among seniors in our community to find rides to essential appointments and decided this was the perfect way for me to give back as I love interacting with people,” states Furtado.

As a Santa Cruz native, Furtado has been active in our community for several decades. Over the years, he has given his time as a dedicated Little League Coach and served on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club. He recently retired after 35 years with Big Creek Lumber and saw this an opportunity to increase his level of community engagement.

Furtado encourages anyone who is interested in volunteering for the Transportation Program to jump in, bring their “flexible attitude” and get involved at the Volunteer Center to help meet the need.

Volunteer Requirements: Volunteers must have a reliable car, proof of insurance and a clean driving record.

For More information/ To Get Involved: Call Jan Brady at 831-427-5070. Request volunteer information at jan@scvolunteercenter.org or visit the transportation program webpage at: https://scvolunteercenter.org/programs/transportation-program/