volunteers fuel essential rides
in woolwich
by Jennifer O'Grady, Marla Davis, Karin Sadtler

The idea for Essential Rides for Everyday Living started in 2018 when Age-Friendly Communities of the Lower Kennebec (AFCLK) was formed as a regional grass roots volunteer coalition, but volunteer transportation only became a reality one and a half years ago. 

Today, the regional program has 26 fully approved drivers who assist 39 riders. Twenty-two clients live in Woolwich, fifteen in Georgetown and two in Arrowsic. Trips are made for more than medical appointments, with rides available for shopping, pharmacy pick-ups and other errands––even mail delivery in this rural area! Especially in Woolwich, one of the six municipalities on the lower Kennebec, the program grew quickly. 

How did they grow so fast?

Woolwich program leaders Marla Davis and Jennifer O’Grady both knew where their talents lay. As the coordinator, Jennifer knew that she was not the person to recruit drivers but knew Marla had the community contacts that could help. And Jennifer was right. With her outgoing approach, Marla talked to vocal community influencers, approached strangers and even made cold calls. Thankful for strong municipal support, Marla’s community outreach includes posting on the town’s website, using digital signage on major roadway Route One – and even stuffing program information into annual tax mailings!

Marla says she tries to “think outside the box” and has spoken at Selectboard meetings and Annual Town Meeting. She connects with all types of community groups including the historical society, the local book club, fire department, and churches. To help spread the word, volunteers from the regional group place informational cards in as many medical offices and Physical Therapy offices as possible. 

While recruitment has been successful, Marla and Jennifer both say it is ongoing and takes a “long-view” approach. Similar to other programs, volunteer retention is a focus. Volunteer drivers in general are proud to be part of a program that helps get neighbors to where they need to go.

Age-Friendly Communities of the Lower Kennebec is not a 501(c) 3 and funding for mileage reimbursements and gas cards is out of reach. With that in mind, Jennifer strives to make drivers as happy as she can. As volunteer and ride coordinator in Woolwich, Jennifer emphasizes during the first meeting and interview that drivers decide when, how often, how far and which client they want to drive. She uses the tools she has available, such as the Assisted Rides software that is offered through Lifelong Maine to Age-Friendly communities in Maine. Though there was a learning curve, Jennifer says the software has been the perfect tool to ensure drivers and riders are satisfied by allowing her to match volunteers and riders in appropriate pairings.

But, it hasn’t been all easy.

In telling their story, Jennifer and Marla each emphasized the need for patience to build a program––for finding the right volunteers and for making connection with community members. Jennifer tells of one rider who has social anxiety, resulting initially in several trip cancellations. With encouragement, no judgment, and an attitude of “it’s okay, we can try again”, the first ride was finally taken. Sometimes drivers go the extra mile, like the time one driver drove a 93-year-old person. That client felt comfortable enough to ask if they could make an extra stop to visit a 100-year-old classmate they hadn’t seen in years––and, of course, the driver obliged. What a great story!

That ride is an example of what Essential Rides for Everyday Living is all about. Certainly, transportation is at the forefront of the program, but it’s the time and effort to make riders and volunteers feel valued that sets up the program's success. On the horizon, AFCLK hopes to support residents in additional communities on the lower Kennebec with a volunteer transportation program while the search for additional drivers in Woolwich continues.