Volunteers Needed to Give Rides to Seniors in Northern Westchester

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Goal of the RideConnect program is to help seniors get out and about

Volunteers are needed for a start-up program to provide free rides for seniors in northern Westchester who need to go to the doctor’s office for an appointment, the local mall for shopping, the hairdresser for a touch-up, a friend’s home for a leisurely visit or for any other reason.

The program, RideConnect, is an initiative of Family Services of Westchester (FSW), a private, not-for-profit and nonsectarian agency.  

The goal of the transportation-referral program is to find the fastest and most cost-effective options to increase mobility for older adults, disabled people of all ages and individuals who perform services for them, including everyone from nurses to people who help with light housecleaning.

Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) underwrites part of the initiative, which aims to enable older adults to remain active in their communities.

“Mobility is essential,” said DSPS Commissioner Mae Carpenter.  “Not being able to get out can lead to depression and all sorts of bad stuff.”

Ride Connect serves seniors who live in Mount Kisco, Katonah, Lewisboro, North Salem, North Castle, Pound Ridge and Somers.  

Inadequate public transportation has long been a problem in northern Westchester because it is a large, thinly populated area.  

As a result, it is hard if not impossible for seniors who no longer drive or have access to a car to get out.

A Priority Pulse survey conducted by DSPS found that transportation is the greatest need for seniors today and their greatest anticipated need in future years.

Volunteers must be 55 or older, enjoy being with older adults, have patience, a flexible schedule and a valid and clean driver’s license.  

For more information contact Karen Ganis, RideConnect’s program director, at (914) 864-0955 or kganis@fsw.org.