Thanks to our Volunteers We Are Stronger Than Ever!

by | Apr 4, 2023 | In the News

This has been a year of bouncing back; and, because of the dedication and commitment of our volunteers, Neighbor Ride is stronger than ever! The numbers and comments from both clients and volunteers tell the story, and we are grateful beyond words for the difference that our volunteer Drivers, Ride Coordinators, and Board Members have and continue to make. In 2022… Our fabulous Ride Coordinators handled 8,477 requests and processed over 10,000 rides, including cancellations and rescheduling.

“Everyone from the office to the drivers is kind, patient, and respectful.  Also, Neighbor Ride is caring. They’ve even made wellness check calls to me… That’s next level caring for us riders!”  – PassengerDrivers completed 15,036 trips – including both passenger trips (13,800) and food/medical equipment deliveries (1,236). These trips resulted in 4,830 unique volunteer/passenger pairings – expanding passengers’ network of caring and building community with each ride provided.

“My experience with Neighbor Ride has been outstanding. The Drivers are all very nice and considerate – I’m meeting some really interesting people. Thank you!” – PassengerIn a boldcomeback statement, 254 volunteers, including 6 current Board Members, provided at least one ride – up from 186 unique drivers in 2021.

Neighbor Ride has been the ‘perfect fit’ for me in terms of wanting to ‘give back’ by way of volunteering some of my time and energy in retirement. So, thank you for all that you do to keep this wonderful organization humming along.” – VolunteerOf these volunteer drivers, 56 accepted more than 50 ride requests; and 5 of them provided over 200 rides each! An extra fun fact, one current and one former Board Member are among our 50+ trip providers.

“I have met so many delightful and interesting people since driving.  I feel it is important that seniors can age in place, but also get out to not only go to doctor’s appointments, but to shop, visit family or go to the gym.  I feel blessed to be able to do this.” – VolunteerWhere did the rides take them? Top destinations included Howard County General Hospital (350 requests), dialysis appointments (250), and Howard County 50+ Centers (400 trips). Beyond passenger rides, trips include over 900 deliveries made on behalf of the Office on Aging & Independence Congregate Meal Program (January – May), over 300 deliveries to Howard County Food Bank clients, and 50 deliveries of durable medical equipment from the Loan Closet of Howard County.

“Neighbor Ride means everything to me.  I would never make it to my doctor’s appointments without them. Thank you for your volunteers!” – PassengerThe transportation coordinated and provided by our volunteers touched the lives of some of the most vulnerable in our county. In fact, 130 of the passengers active in 2022 qualified for our Good Neighbor Fund and received a combined total of 5,000 trips for medical appointments, shopping, and social outings at no cost to them.

“Neighbor Ride has been a life saver! All of the drivers are so kind and considerate. It’s like family helping me.” – PassengerTHANK YOU for all that each and every one of you do. Together, we are truly Driving Our Community! With gratitude, Bruce, Colleen, Patrice, and Andrew