Ralph Jones has been an active RSVP Provide-A-Ride driver since 1998. What started as a simple way to give back has become a deep passion to serve. Ralph knows how strong the need is because he serves on the front lines of care for older adults. He shares how important he has found RSVP Provide-A-Ride to be for seniors:
“Most of the seniors I drive to appointments live alone and can’t afford to pay for transportation services. I remember an elderly lady I gave a ride to see her doctor. As she walked toward my car, she walked slowly, very deliberately, and severely bent over. She was so thankful for the ride that day, and shared with me how she wished she could have learned about RSVP Provide-A-Ride years earlier so she could have received care for her back. Because she had no way of getting to her doctor for so many years she missed many treatments and as a result suffered permanent damage. This program is helping seniors live in better health, and in many cases extending their lives.”
“I am 81 years old and as long as I can keep driving, I will keep on serving. I have no plans to stop.”
Brenda Goodman lives alone and often needs to see her doctors twice a month. Through RSVP Provide-A-Ride she is able to keep her medical appointments.
Our drivers pick Brenda up at her home, remain with her during the visit to the doctor’s office, help her fill out medical forms, and will drive Brenda by the pharmacy on the way back to her home. This is a level of personal care and attention she could never afford, but through RSVP Provide-A-Ride, it’s always just a phone call away. Brenda shares how much RSVP Provide-A-Ride has meant for her:
“It’s such a relief to know I don’t have to burden my family anymore. They have always been willing to help, but I know how hard it was for them. It feels so good to know this stress is gone from my life. Thank you so much is all I can say. I feel so blessed to know I can always count on RSVP Provide-A-Ride.”
As you consider your charitable giving this year-end, please make a gift to support RSVP Provide-A-Ride. Your gifts help provide our compassionate drivers like Ralph with supplemental driving insurance and mileage reimbursement to help them serve without financial hardship, and it provides low-income seniors like Brenda the rides she needs to live in better health. Thank you for your generous support!