MyRIDE First Tennessee, a door-through-door volunteer ride share program, has exceeded 200,000 miles traveled over the course of 20,000 trips since launching four years ago. This milestone reinforces the vital role of the MyRide program in Northeast Tennessee and has ensured that area seniors have access to basic necessities even if they are homebound.
Initially funded by funds made available through the Davidson County Chancery Court, MyRIDE programs are active in Greeneville, Johnson City, Johnson County, Jonesborough, and Kingsport. The MyRIDE programs could not function without all of the outstanding volunteer drivers who make this service possible.
These local MyRIDE programs connect local seniors, who pay a small user fee, with pre-screened, trained volunteer drivers in their area who take them to doctors' offices, the grocery story, pharmacy, bank, or any of the many necessary or desired locations a senior might want to visit.
"The MyRIDE programs are very successful in the region," shared MyRIDE Volunteer Coordinator, Lee Gay. He went on to add that "our MyRIDE consumers have shared with us that the program has given them a sense of freedom back. Without the program, they feel like a burden to their families when they need transportation." MyRIDE also helps seniors to age safely and independently in their own homes, an important concern to both older adults and their families.
Anyone interested in more information on MyRIDE services or to register as a volunteer driver should contact Lee Gay, lgay@ftaaad.org.