SAN DIEGO (Press Release) – According to the National Institute on Aging, loneliness can be as damaging to health as many chronic conditions for older adults. However, staying connected with the community can be a powerful antidote.
For many older adults, lack of transportation compounds loneliness and isolation from their friends, family and communities in which they belong. Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) addresses this need through its On the Go program, providing free, volunteer-driven rides to San Diego residents ages 60 and older of all backgrounds. On the Go is seeking volunteer drivers to meet the growing demand for safe rides and friendly faces, especially as it has just expanded services to include three new zip codes:
- 92101 (Downtown San Diego, Little Italy, Bankers Hill and Balboa Park)
- 92078 (Southern San Marcos)
- 91978 (Spring Valley)
Without reliable transportation, simple errands can become major life challenges for older adults who need assistance getting to medical appointments, visit friends and family or take care of everyday errands. Volunteer drivers serve as a free rideshare service, using their own vehicles to take riders to the grocery store, doctor’s appointments, social gatherings, the veterinarian and more – offering companionship and connection along the way.
“After I retired, a friend suggested that I start driving for On the Go,” said volunteer driver Betty. “I love being a volunteer because you make friends, you enjoy yourself, and you go places, and not just to the doctor, you can take them anywhere they need to go.”
On the Go is the largest volunteer driver senior transportation program in San Diego, hosting more than 662,000 rides since 2008. Today, the program serves over 1,000 active riders and is supported by 60 dedicated volunteers.
Transportation solutions and services for older adults are provided by Jewish Family Service of San Diego with the help of its local partners SANDAG TransNet and San Diego Foundation.
How to Become a Volunteer Driver
Volunteering with On the Go is designed to accommodate any schedule. Drivers select their own rides through an online scheduling system, so they can choose trips that work with their availability and travel routes. The program operates daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and allows for both one-way and round-trip commitments. To ensure seamless service, On the Go manages all logistics, guaranteeing a return trip for every rider. In addition, JFS supports its volunteers by providing secondary insurance coverage and mileage reimbursement at the current IRS maximum rate.
Prospective volunteers can complete an interest form at jfssd.org/volunteer/on-the-go-driver. A JFS volunteer engagement coordinator will follow up within two business days to guide applicants through the enrollment process. To ensure the highest standards of safety and service, the onboarding experience includes background and DMV screenings, privacy and driver safety training, and an orientation on the ride-scheduling system.
On the Go is Now Serving Solana Beach
Getting around just became easier for older adults in Solana Beach. JFS, in partnership with the City of Solana Beach, just launched a six-month older adult transportation pilot program, powered by On the Go, designed to serve residents over 65 and help them stay connected. The program has started and runs two days per week: Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. With nearly 27% of Solana Beach residents over the age of 65, according to U.S. Census data, this new service responds to a growing need for safe, reliable transportation. Rides are scheduled five days in advance by calling 858-923-1344, with a pick-up and destination within the City of Solana Beach.
For more information about the On the Go program across San Diego County, visit jfssd.org/onthego.
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