Jana Nye’s interest in volunteering for Jewish Family Services began when she saw a news report on JET Express in 2019.

“The news station filmed someone driving a client and I wrote the number down and that is where I found JFS,” said Jana Nye.

She drives for JET Express at least two to three times a week.

“It is a very humbling experience to drive the elderly who are fighting to stay independent in their homes,” said Jana.

Jana, an Overland Park native and a retired nurse, takes JET Express clients to their doctors’ appointments and grocery shopping. Her driving has made an impact on the clients.

“After I drove a client to physical therapy for the first time, she said: ‘I am not going to have anyone else drive me,’” recounts Jana.

Jana has driven countless JET Express passengers across the Kansas City area. However, there was one memorable ride that stood out to her.

“I always ask them (the JET Express clients) if there is any place else they would like to go on their way home because I know that they do not always have transportation,” said Jana. “We went to the Smoke Shop because a client wanted to buy cigars.”

Rachel Ohlhausen, JFS’s Director of Program Operations, noted how Jana exemplifies JFS’s principle of being human-centered.

“This past year, Jana had to make the hard decision to decline a ride to one of our riders who was almost too weak to walk, and therefore not safe,” said Rachel Ohlhausen. “Jana followed up with JFS quickly which allowed us to get the client food and groceries that Jana then delivered to her.”

She also added that Jana worked with the social work team to share her on-site experience with the client and contributed quality information to inform decisions about how to interact with the client that was safe for them and JFS.

“The best volunteers truly help extend JFS’s helping hand in the community. Jana is one of those volunteers!” said Rachel Ohlhausen.

Jana noted that being a JET Express Driver is perfect for her schedule and has encouraged her friends and family to volunteer for JFS.

“I do talk about (my volunteer work) and speak very highly about it because I feel very strongly about volunteering at Jewish Family Services,” said Jana.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact the JFS Volunteer Engagement Team at (913) 730-1410 or volunteer@jfskc.org.