A Free Ride in Arlington County, Virginia

Written by Jessica Bernstein, Redcross.org

George Saunders and Robert Hauser are part of the driving force of the Arlington County Chapter.

Whether it's a trip to the doctor, the dentist's office or door-to-door transportation for weekly grocery shopping, the American Red Cross Arlington County Chapter can help. For more than 20 years, the chapter has provided free, dependable transportation for Arlington residents. Clients are primarily persons over the age of 60 who lack reliable support or access to alternative sources of transportation. The program is designed to help individuals live independently for as long as possible.

Ms. Marion Corcoran has relied on the chapter for transportation to and from medical appointments and the grocery store for two years. Ms. Corcoran suffers from arthritis and recently broke her hip. Because she lives on a limited income, the free transportation provided by the chapter is vital to Ms. Corcoran.

"A Community That Has Been Good to Me"
Buck Struyk is a driver who is a 15-year veteran of the Transportation Program. Buck began as a substitute driver for a friend, and then went on to become a regular driver for the program. A retired Naval Commander with 30 years of military service, Buck says "This is exactly what I wanted to do as a retired person! Although this may sound trite, I feel very strongly that I have been on the receiving end of many good things in life, and I am very grateful for that. I wanted to find a way to give back to the community that has been so good to me." Buck finds deep satisfaction in his role as volunteer driver because of the direct contact he has with riders. He enjoys the conversations and looks forward to seeing his "regulars" each week.

The drivers are all volunteers, some with as much as 15 years of volunteer experience with the Red Cross. Many are concerned seniors who participate in the chapter's varied Services for Seniors programs. In fiscal year 2001, 18 volunteers logged over 25,000 miles. They served 440 clients with 9,463 one-way passenger trips. Since the program began, the chapter has served approximately 5,000 clients.

Bob Batemen, an Arlington senior citizen, began as a volunteer driver more than two years ago when he took a 55 Alive! class. He finds his volunteer time very fulfilling, because many of the riders live alone, and they appreciate the conversation while being driven to their appointments. Plus, the clients with whom he works would not be able to afford transportation to and from doctor's appointments on their limited income. Bob says, "These people rely on us, and a simple trip to the doctor would be very expensive to them." Thinking ahead to the future, Bob comments, " Who knows? One day I might need to use the transportation program myself."

Working in Partnership
Riders are referred to the program by other county agencies as part of a comprehensive plan for their physical and mental rehabilitation and recovery. The chapter maintains close relationships with the local Agency on Aging, the county's mental health services, a local cab company, and several apartment complexes and senior living facilities. These partner organizations refer clients and help schedule appointments and pick-ups.

The chapter takes delivery of a new fleet of vehicles.

The chapter is always improving the program using confidential surveys from riders, volunteers and nursing home activity directors. Recently they were able to lease six new vehicles to replace their aging fleet, thanks to a grant from the Arlington County Agency on Aging and sponsorship from Harris-Teeter, a grocery store chain with three locations in Arlington.

A Win-Win Arrangement for Youth Volunteers and Seniors
The chapter worked with one retirement community to help residents try a new local grocery store in the area. Knowing that many of the seniors would need a transition period to become familiar with a new store's layout, the chapter enlisted youth volunteers to help seniors navigate the new store. The seniors were thrilled to interact with the lively youth volunteers who provided a valuable service by helping the seniors find the items they needed and familiarizing them with the store. The young people enjoyed the company of the seniors and left with a feeling of satisfaction that they helped others in their community.

Jeanne Mitchell, the chapter's Chief Development and Communications Officer, has volunteered her own time to help ease the seniors' transition to a new store. Mitchell explains, "It made me realize that something that many of us take for granted, such as weekly grocery shopping, can be challenging for our senior population. Many of our clients live alone, and the grocery shopping outing is a way for them to interact with others and be a part of the community. It is something that many of them look forward to with great eagerness."

Mitchell hears frequently about how vital the program is for both riders and volunteers. "I have talked with many people involved in our Transportation Program. Whether they are drivers receiving the enormous satisfaction of helping others, or clients relying on our transportation service, each person feels they are part of the Red Cross family. The feeling of warmth and compassion creates a positive experience for all parties involved."

If you would like more information about this program, please visit the Arlington County Chapter Web page.

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