24 volunteer ride programs receive
drive-me mini-grants 

Lifelong Maine has awarded DRIVE-ME mini-grants to 24 volunteer transportation programs across Maine. The grants will help programs recruit, train and thank volunteer drivers, and reach more older adults who need rides.

DRIVE-ME is a partnership of the Governor's Cabinet on Aging, the University of Maine Center on Aging, Lifelong Maine, and volunteer ride programs around the state. All 33 programs in the network were invited to apply. Nine volunteer transportation coordinators from across Maine reviewed every application and made recommendations.

"Volunteer drivers are a lifeline in Maine communities, often providing the only way for older neighbors to see their doctor, visit the grocery store, and stay connected to community," said Elizabeth Gattine, Coordinator, Governor’s Cabinet on Aging. "These grants recognize and support the drivers who show up week after week, encourage more people to volunteer, and raise awareness of these vital services so older adults can access the rides and connections needed to thrive in our communities."

Two grants will help new programs get started. Community Rides in Lyman will offer free rides to medical appointments for residents age 60 and older and people with disabilities. Windsor Community Rides, organized by a town work group, will give rides to any resident who needs one.

Age-Friendly Communities of the Lower Kennebec will train drivers to safely help riders in and out of cars, supply car aids such as swivel seat cushions, and explore starting a ride program in West Bath. Grateful Undead, serving Baldwin, Cornish, Hiram, Parsonsfield and Porter, will publish a monthly events calendar in the local paper and offer rides to the events it lists.

Other programs receiving grants are Age-Friendly Biddeford, Age-Friendly Saco, Age-Friendly Sullivan, Age-Friendly Windham, Aging in Buxton, Bethel Area Neighbor 2 Neighbor Rides, County Area Rides Service in Aroostook County, East Grand Community Rides, Friends in Action, GNG Rides, Harpswell Aging at Home, Island Connections, Neighbor to Neighbor in St. George, Neighbors Driving Neighbors, ITNPortland, People Plus, Rural Community Action Ministry's RCARS program, and the Old Orchard Beach Volunteer Transportation Service. For a full description of what the programs have planned with thir funding, click here. 

To learn more or to volunteer as a driver, email lifelong@maine.edu.

This program is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $190,008,051.09 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.