Via’s new Volunteer Driver Program launched last fall to address the growing need for transportation and mobility options for Boulder County’s aging population is already delivering cost-effective transportation solutions in the communities we serve.
Via’s team of five volunteer drivers is serving communities in East Boulder County (two drivers serving Lafayette, Louisville and Erie, two in Longmont and one in the city of Boulder). This core group will participate in training new drivers as the program continues to grow. With the help of our dedicated volunteer drivers supplementing the more than 50 paid drivers on staff, Via is able to provide more rides in East Boulder County, Longmont and the city of Boulder.
A Volunteer Driver’s Perspective Most folks’ first impression of Volunteer Driver Jack Belchinsky is that he’s very happy to be there – wherever he happens to be! It was while Jack was helping his mother deal with the effects of Alzheimer’s that he realized seniors need advocates. He saw first-hand the older adult population’s issues with transportation which affected nearly all aspects of their lives. When asked why he chose to volunteer with Via, Jack said: “I volunteer with several organizations. Via’s good; they do good work. I like helping people. It’s just part of my being; it makes me feel good to be able to do it.”
Via is looking for more volunteer drivers. If you know someone who wants to give and enjoys helping people, ask them to contact Liane Shaffer at volunteer@viacolorado.org or 303.444.3069.
Via is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting independence and self-sufficiency for people with limited mobility by provide caring, customer-focused transportation options. For more information on the many services Via provides, call 303.447.2848 ext. 1014 or mobilityspecialist@viacolorado.org/.