Annual Volunteer Survey results highlight the impact of meaningful service, flexibility, and connection
Neighbor Ride’s volunteers are sending a clear message: they love being part of the organization.
Results from Neighbor Ride’s 2026 Volunteer Satisfaction Survey revealed overwhelmingly positive feedback from volunteers, demonstrating the strength of the organization’s mission, volunteer experience, and community connections. Among the 106 replies, 99% reported being very satisfied or satisfied with their overall volunteer experience (92% very satisfied and 7% satisfied), and 100% said they would recommend volunteering with Neighbor Ride to a friend or colleague.
The survey also found that volunteers feel deeply appreciated for the time and support they provide. Nearly every respondent, 99%, said they “definitely” feel valued by the organization, while 100% of respondents reported that their volunteer role either met or exceeded their expectations; of which 68% said it exceeded and 32% met expectations.
These results reflect the strong relationships and sense of purpose that define the Neighbor Ride volunteer experience.
Flexibility and Purpose Drive Volunteer Engagement
When asked what they find most rewarding about volunteering with Neighbor Ride, volunteers cited a combination of personal fulfillment and community impact. The most-selected response was flexibility of schedule, followed closely by making a difference in someone’s life and supporting the community. Many also indicated that volunteering provides opportunities to meet new people and build meaningful connections.
These responses reinforce Neighbor Ride’s unique volunteer model, which allows volunteers to make a meaningful impact while choosing opportunities that fit their schedules. Whether driving a rider to a medical appointment, helping with errands, or providing administrative support, volunteers play a vital role in helping older adults remain active, independent, and connected to the community.
High Ratings for Communication and Technology
Volunteers also expressed strong satisfaction with the tools and communications that support their service.
More than 96% of respondents rated The Driver, Neighbor Ride’s volunteer e-newsletter, as either Excellent or Good. Similarly, more than 93% rated the organization’s RideMatch scheduling system as Excellent or Good, reflecting volunteers’ confidence in the systems that help them coordinate rides and support riders efficiently.
Looking Toward the Future
Neighbor Ride is currently developing a mobile app for volunteer drivers, and survey results indicate significant interest in the new technology. More than half of respondents said they would use the app, while many others said they would consider trying it. In addition, 43 volunteers expressed interest in participating as testers during the development process.
The willingness of so many volunteers to help shape future improvements reflects a community that is engaged, invested, and eager to support Neighbor Ride’s continued growth.
Celebrating the People Behind the Mission
One of the most encouraging survey outcomes was the number of volunteers who shared personal reflections about what they enjoy most about volunteering. More than 100 volunteers provided comments, and many gave permission for their stories to be shared publicly. We look forward to sharing their responses and comments with you in the coming year on social media and on the website. Here’s a word cloud of some replies:
Their responses highlighted themes of purpose, connection, flexibility, and the satisfaction that comes from helping older adults remain engaged in the community. Together, these stories paint a picture of a volunteer program that is about much more than transportation. It is about neighbors helping neighbors and building a stronger, more connected Howard County.
As Neighbor Ride continues to serve older adults throughout the community, these survey results affirm what riders, volunteers, and supporters experience every day: dedicated volunteers make it all possible.
Thank you to every Neighbor Ride volunteer whose generosity, compassion, and commitment help older adults stay connected to the people and places that matter most.