With over 300 miles making up the size of the Leelanau peninsula, transportation to get anywhere is a must in the rural county.
Luckily, seniors in the community can take advantage of the local nonprofi t ShareCare’s transportation services when in need though. It’s one of their most requested services, says Jennie Arguello, ShareCare volunteer manager, and has been in place since they started the organization in 1994. Being able to request a ride enhances people’s overall wellness and their ability to live independently, Arguello added, helping to contribute to their peace of mind.
“It’s really a blessing for them… We have a large county. We are thankful that people can live in this beautiful area, but with it being so far from Traverse and some of the medical appointments they need to access, this is a beautiful option,” said Arguello. “It’s safe, we have the vetted volunteers that are transporting… and it prevents isolation as well when you’re able to ride in a vehicle with somebody and have a lovely conversation on the way to an appointment.”
Volunteer drivers use their own vehicles to provide rides to any senior who does not have available transportation. The rides to medical appointments and other health related services have first priority, while rides to non-medical appointments that promote health and wellness can be arranged when a driver is available. Wellness rides include things like going to get a haircut, attending a wellness class, or even to get taxes done.
“Our drivers aren’t just for transportation, but for errands, so there may be somebody that would like to have groceries delivered to their door or pharmacy items picked up or library items,” she said. “So there’s various things that fall under errands, and not necessarily under transportations per say, but it’s great.”
ShareCare members get a maximum number of five rides per month, with services provided in Leelanau County and to Traverse City, Long Lake Township, East Bay Township, Garfield Township and Paul Oliver Hospital in Frankfort.
The process for requesting a ride is as simple as giving the nonprofit a call, where people will leave their information of where they are going, the time of the appointment, and any other details needed to ensure they get signed up. From there, volunteers are able to sift through who needs a ride and when, and can select which appointment they would like to volunteer with for transport.
“Then they contact the (ShareCare) member that requested it and let them know they are the volunteer that will be transporting them,” she said. “They make sure all the details are appropriate and all set as far as the accuracy with the member. They’ll let them know what time they’ll pick them up and transport them from their door at home to the appointment, and then they bring them back again.”
All volunteers with ShareCare go through orientation and training which helps cover important topics like safety, boundaries, and communication. In addition, ShareCare ensures that all drivers have updated auto-insurances and other documents before sending them on the road.
“We also make sure that the vetting process is very efficient,” she said. “It’s done online and it’s an organization we’ve been working with for years. It covers everything so that everyone is protected and safe… Volunteers are using their own vehicles, there’s no reimbursement for gas, it is their generous donation that they are making to make these rides possible.” ShareCare provides transportation and errand rides to over 700 members annually, and volunteer drivers who provide medical and wellness rides collectively log over 25,000 miles also on a yearly basis, Arguello explained, which is greater than the circumference of the earth.
“We usually have anywhere between 50-70 volunteer drivers, it varies,” she said. “It drops in the winter because people go away, so we’re always looking for great, new volunteers to provide rides.”
Arguello said the program encourages people to feel comfortable asking for help. While independence is a great benefit of having the option to request a ride, she said the idea of “interdependence” is also equally important, as we all depend on one another for help.
“It’s okay to ask for help, we’re happy when people do because it’s an honor for us to do this and help,” she said. “Not only are they (people) able to live independently, but they are able to travel safely, and they are able to look out the window and enjoy the view when at times maybe they don’t get out as much. Just the gratitude that we hear on a regular basis from our members stating how wonderful the volunteers have been and how courteous, caring, and kind they’ve been. In our world right now, I think that’s so important.”
For more information about ShareCare and the transportation services they offer, go to https://sharecareleelanau. org/member-services or
call 231-256-0221.
