On the road to make a difference
Written by Jessica Riel
Become a Rides for Health volunteer in March!
Marvin Kelley is a volunteer with Rides for Health at LifePath."I'm retired… loving it," Rides for Health volunteer Marvin Kelley laughs. "I love to drive, I like to meet new people, I've always enjoyed people of my age or older. Helping has been kind of a theme in my career and my life, and now I'm involved here with Rides for Health."
Rides for Health, a program of LifePath matches volunteer drivers with elders and people with disabilities who are home care clients in need of a ride to places like their doctor's office or pharmacy.
"We hear over and over again that transportation is really a critical unmet need for the area," says Rides for Health program director Trevor Boeding. "This program was developed to respond to that need."
Marvin appreciated the training he received with the other volunteers. "I expected to be trained and screened. That adds an element to my confidence in being able to provide this kind of service."
"Our hope for the Rides for Health program," says Trevor, "is to expand the number of volunteers that we're able to provide and thereby be able to serve more elders."
Marvin encourages you to become a volunteer. "Give it a try," he says. A handful of hours a month is all it takes!
Becoming a volunteer is simple. After completing the application process, you will attend a half-day of training. The next free training takes place on Tuesday, March 28, 2017, from 1 to 5 p.m., at Greenfield Community College's downtown location. Light refreshments will be served.
For application materials and more information, go to LifePathMA.org/RidesforHealth to download the forms or contact Trevor by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 413-773-5555 x2241 or 978-544-2259 x2241.