It was wonderful to see the Community Action Program’s volunteer driver program highlighted on the front page of Monitor for the important service this provides to seniors and people with disabilities who are in need of rides to appointments. The Friends Program in Concord also provides a volunteer driver service in the Concord area through its Caregiver Program. Volunteer drivers provide rides to medical appointments for seniors over age 60 who qualify.
Like the CAP program, the rides and other services Caregiver volunteers provide help seniors to stay in their homes. I know how great these volunteer driver programs are because I am a volunteer driver for The Friends Program. I appreciate the flexibility I have to choose from needed rides that meet my schedule. This is done through a convenient on line scheduler. The program staff are helpful and supportive of volunteers. Most importantly, I get back more than I give. The people I provide rides to are genuinely appreciative of this service and I know I am making a difference in their lives. Anyone who has a few hours to give to these valuable ride programs should consider this as a worthwhile volunteer pursuit. The program is growing with new people needing rides and drivers are always needed.
Ann Walls
Concord