May is designated as Older Adults Awareness Month, focusing on the contributions of older adults (60-plus) and reaffirming our commitment to serving them.
Over 300,000 living in the metro are 60- plus, and that number is likely to increase as the babyboomers hit retirement age.
For Jewish Family Services, sustaining the quality of life throughout the aging journey is everything. JFS has a lot to offer the 60-plus crowd when it comes to helping them live independent lives. For those who no longer drive or never learned to drive, JFS offers JET Express, a program that keeps them connected to the places and people important to them.
JET Express use volunteer drivers to provide safe, reliable and affordable transportation to such places as the grocery store, doctors’ appointments, activities and friends. The door-to-door program offers both one-way or round-trip options. Since the beginning of the program, JET Express has provided hundreds of trips. Riders are appreciative.
“I don’t worry as much about getting to where I need to be,” said one JET Express rider. “The drivers have been kind and courteous and friendly. Your office staff is so nice and very helpful and patient.”
However, since COVID when in-person contact was not possible, the number of volunteer drivers for JET Express has dropped significantly while the demand for riders continues to rise. Currently, there are 36 drivers; JFS needs double that number.
It’s easy to become a JET Express volunteer driver. Volunteers go through basic training and choose when and how often they wish to drive – all from an online platform. JET Express drivers receive mileage reimbursement and JFS provides secondary auto insurance, too.
There are a few basic requirements to become a JET Express Driver include being 21 or older, having their own car to transport riders and passing a basic background check.
In addition to helping in the community, being a JET Express driver has the benefit of making new friends.
“We often share stories from our week or about our families, talking about the weather or just sharing a smile.,” said Kelly Somberg, a JET Express driver. “I also love how flexible and easy it is to volunteer for JET Express. I can choose my rides from my computer. It is my “choice how many rides I do each week. Many times, I can help someone else with a ride while I am running my errands; that’s a win-win in my book.”
If you are interested in becoming a JET Express driver, please email volunteer@jfskc.org or call the volunteer engagement department at (913) 730 1410.
