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Blog archive

October 2024

September 2024

August 2024

1619 Wide Ranging Interests
08/19/2024

1619 Wide Ranging Interests
08/19/2024

First Anniversary
08/19/2024

Alexandra Leaving by Leonard Cohen
08/16/2024

Muse des Beaux Arts by W. H. Auden
08/16/2024

The God Abandons Antony by Constantinos P. Cavafy
08/16/2024

Ch – Ch – Ch –Changes
08/15/2024

Cultural Activities Team offers an ‘embarrassment of riches’
08/15/2024

Engaging in Pasadena Village
08/15/2024

Future Housing Options
08/15/2024

Message from the President
08/15/2024

There Are Authors Among Us
08/15/2024

Villagers Welcome New Members at the Tournament Park Picnic
08/15/2024

Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night by Dylan Thomas
08/14/2024

A narrow Fellow in the Grass by Emily Dickinson
08/13/2024

Haikus
08/13/2024

One Art by Elizabeth Bishop
08/13/2024

Poem 20 by Pablo Neruda
08/13/2024

Still I Rise by Maya Angelou
08/13/2024

Trees by Joyce Kilmer
08/13/2024

July 2024

June 2024

May 2024

Emergency Preparedness: Are You Ready?
05/28/2024

Farewell from the 2023/24 Social Work Interns
05/28/2024

Gina on the Horizon
05/28/2024

Mark Your Calendars for the Healthy Aging Research California Virtual Summit
05/28/2024

Meet Our New Development Associate
05/28/2024

Putting the Strategic Plan into Practice
05/28/2024

Washington Park: Pasadena’s Rediscovered Gem
05/28/2024

Introducing Civil Rights Discussions
05/22/2024

Rumor of Humor #2416
05/14/2024

Rumor of Humor #2417
05/14/2024

Rumor of Humor #2417
05/14/2024

Rumor of Humor #2418
05/14/2024

Springtime Visitors
05/07/2024

Freezing for a Good Cause – Credit, That Is
05/02/2024

No Discussion Meeting on May 3rd
05/02/2024

An Apparently Normal Person Author Presentation and Book-signing
05/01/2024

Flintridge Center: Pasadena Village’s Neighbor That Changes Lives
05/01/2024

Pasadena Celebrates Older Americans Month 2024
05/01/2024

The 2024 Pasadena Village Volunteer Appreciation Lunch
05/01/2024

Woman of the Year: Katy Townsend
05/01/2024

April 2024

March 2024

February 2024

January 2024

Need a Ride? No Problem!

By Jim Hendrick
Posted: 09/17/2024
Tags: teams, jim hendrick, newsletter october 2024

Pasadena Village, a vibrant community organization dedicated to supporting older adults, is helping Villagers maintain independence and stay active by providing a much-needed transportation service. Offering rides to Village events and medical appointments, this service has become a cornerstone of the Village's commitment to its members, ensuring they can participate fully in community life while attending to their essential needs.  Wayne April has been a driver for 6 years, "I want to help fellow Villagers and I like to drive."

From the very beginning, transportation has been a vital component of Pasadena Village. In the planning stages, the founders, including Dave Folz and Sue Kujawa, carefully studied existing Village models across the country. One characteristic that stood out in all the Villages they examined was the provision of rides. Pasadena Village chose to focus on ensuring that every Villager has access to reliable transportation when needed.

Today, Pasadena Village's Transportation Team, led by Dan Guerrero, is a testament to the power of community volunteerism. The team comprises 28 dedicated volunteers, including 24 Villagers and four volunteers from the broader community. Village driver Bruce Christensen says, "I love the one-on-one relationship that develops between myself and our riders." These volunteers are the backbone of the program, offering their time, vehicles, and goodwill to help fellow Villagers. Dan and the Team are actively working to expand and strengthen the program. 

The most common requests for rides are to Village events and medical appointments, making up the majority of the 30 rides provided each month. Whether it's getting to a doctor's appointment or attending a social gathering, Villagers know they can rely on this service to get where they need to go. However, the service is more than just about transportation; it's about maintaining independence, reducing isolation, and fostering a sense of community among members.

Ensuring the safety and security of both drivers and passengers is a top priority for Pasadena Village. All volunteer drivers undergo thorough background checks before they begin providing rides. They also maintain their own auto insurance and cover their fuel costs. Additionally, drivers must keep their licenses up to date and carry active auto insurance. For added peace of mind, the Village has a secondary insurance plan in place, which can be utilized in limited situations.

One of the key requirements for Villagers who use this service is that they must be able to enter and exit the vehicle unassisted. This ensures that the service remains efficient and that volunteers can focus on providing safe and reliable transportation without the need for additional support. Riders are responsible for any parking fees incurred during their trips, adding a layer of responsibility and mutual respect between drivers and passengers.

Pasadena Village also values the contributions of its volunteer drivers, understanding that they are the heart of the program. Last October, the Village held its first annual recognition meeting for all volunteer drivers, an event designed to express gratitude and build camaraderie among those who give their time and energy to help others. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for drivers to share experiences, exchange tips, and strengthen the bonds within the volunteer team.

Starting in October, Pasadena Village will introduce a new initiative to further enhance the transportation program: a monthly posting of ride activity. This will provide transparency and allow the Village to track usage patterns, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate the program's successes.

Pasadena Village's transportation service is more than just a ride; it's a lifeline for many members. It enables them to maintain their independence, stay connected with their community, and access essential services. As the Village continues to grow and evolve, the Transportation Team remains committed to serving the needs of its members, ensuring that no Villager is left behind. The dedication of the volunteer drivers, the thoughtful planning of the founders, and the ongoing support from the community all contribute to making Pasadena Village a place where everyone can thrive.

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