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Hanover Senior Rides is a volunteer-based program providing transportation for seniors in Mechanicsville, Ashland, and other areas of Hanover County. With no public transportation available, this service allows seniors to stay independent and access essential appointments and errands. Help us expand our reach and support the aging population in Hanover County.
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Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions Hanover Senior Rides
The Need for Senior Rides: • Just over 104,000 people live in Hanover County – over 50% live in the Mechanicsville area • Aging population – 12% are 65+ (12,000+) • No public transportation in Hanover County (some private services $$$) • Very limited taxi service (& expensive)
The Need for Senior Rides Seniors can live in their homes longer if they can get to the doctor’s office, the grocery store and the bank. Otherwise, they may need to move to live with relatives or move into an assisted living facility.
The Need for Senior Rides: When seniors can no longer drive, they depend on friends or relatives to take them to appointments. But – their children may not be able to take off work often enough or be available as often as needed.
MCEF Senior Rides Volunteer Drivers – rides to: medical appointments, bank, grocery shopping 2x /month Mechanicsville, Ashland, Elmont, Doswell & Hanover CH areas of the County >> Hanover Senior Rides
Hanover Senior Rides August 2013 – Started providing rides: MCEF Senior Rides – Mechanicsville September 2014 – extended to Ashland area (ACES) Goal – expand to Western Hanover (WHEAT) – will cover all of the County
Hanover Senior Rides Ride requests – 7 days in advance – to line up drivers Ambulatory riders + canes or folding walkers – cannot take wheelchairs (Senior Connections assists wheelchair accessible van)
Hanover Senior Rides Driver Packet includes: • card to leave with receptionist • handicap parking placard • donation envelopes to give to riders (free program but we ask for donations – to date, they have paid for the driver stipends)
Volunteer Drivers • DMV record check • Background check – Protect My Ministry • AARP - AAA Safe Driver Courses • Orientation program / training • Insurance coverage while transporting client: VA Dept. of Risk Management • Reimbursement – 25 cents per mile • Choose own schedule – at least 2x /month Ride Scheduler computer software
Ridership Numbers • Began service 7/23/2013 – first ride • Average 50-60 rides per month • Some months are higher due to those with acute illnesses having frequent therapy sessions • Total scheduled rides: MCEF – 1150 and ACES 420 • Total Rides as of 2/28/2017 - 1560
Program Numbers • Began service 7/23/2013 – 5 drivers & 8- riders • Current Volunteer Drivers, (MCEF -18 and ACES -7) Total – 25 • Riders- MCEF 82 and ACES 24 Total – 106 • Ride Coordinators – 7 – these volunteers run the program (take the calls, schedule the ride and email the drivers) • Average volunteer time per ride 3.5 hours
Program Costs (annual costs) • Driver Liability - $4,000 • Driver Mileage Reimbursements - $6,500 per year • Driver Recruitment & Training - $2,000 • Ride Scheduler Program - $1,800 • Office equipment & tech support - $2,200 • Telecom. (Internet & Telephones) - $2,000 • Total Budget $18,500 • Average cost per ride $30
Hanover Senior Rides Future plans: • secure additional funding • recruit additional drivers • contract for wheelchair van service • expand service to all of Hanover County
Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions P. O. Box 604 Mechanicsville, VA 23111 (804) 357- 9063 www.4MCEF.org