Jewish Family Services


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Today, more than 700 hours of care a week are provided to the elderly and disabled

More than 300 children, teenagers and adults receive counseling
1,000 students participate in our educational programs

JET Express off to a strong start!

Daytime drivers needed

JET Express – the volunteer driver program launched by Jewish Family Services in September – is meeting with great success. The program, part of the JFS Jewish Elder Transit initiative, was started to help older adults meet their transportation needs.

JET Express provides a door-to-door transportation program and an opportunity for older adults to access safe transportation for their everyday lives. Since starting the service in September, more than 50 rides have been provided to older adults and 47 riders have enrolled in the program.

“I was very pleased with the service,” one rider said. “It was prompt, the driver helpful and friendly and I’ve been telling all my friends about JET Express.”

Twenty-two volunteer drivers have completed training; still more drivers are needed, particularly for daytime hours.

Two additional training sessions are currently scheduled; Tuesday, Nov. 11, 7-8:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 12, 9:30-11 a.m. Both training sessions will be held in the Board Room of the Jewish Community Campus, 5801 W. 115th St., Overland Park, KS. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact Adrienne Kizer, at 913-327-8257 or akizer@jfskc.org.

JET Express members use the service to be transported to doctor and dental appointments, the hairdresser, grocery shopping volunteer commitments or other locations. JET Express charges $2.50 each way for transportation. To be eligible for JET Express, one must be 65 years of age or older, cannot have access to readily available transportation and cannot be wheelchair bound. Those interested in utilizing JFS’ volunteer driver program need to call Dawn Herbet, director of older adult initiatives, at (913) 327-8239, to apply to become a JET Express member. There is no charge to become a JET Express member.

Volunteers are wanted for this new and truly needed community program. Drivers must be at least 21 years of age, hold a valid driver’s license, have current auto insurance coverage and the ability to use their own vehicle. Volunteer drivers will be reimbursed at $0.33 a mile, however, reimbursement can be donated back to help underwrite the JET Express program.