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

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