Saco Age Friendly volunteer drivers go the extra mile

Not having reliable transportation can be an obstacle to older people who want to live independently at home.  Thanks to a dedicated team of volunteer drivers at Age Friendly Saco, many seniors in Saco have dependable free transportation to medical appointments.

Age Friendly Saco is dedicated to helping older people stay in their homes and making the city a great place to live for people of all ages. To help fulfill its mission, the organization established two ride programs: a shuttle that runs three days a week and makes scheduled stops to grocery and department stores, and a medical appointment transportation program.

Since its inception in February 2022, the medical appointment ride program alone has provided 2,711 trips to Saco residents.

Volunteers who drive people to medical appointments use their own vehicles. Drivers are given a schedule of available time slots, and they can choose which days to volunteer. Some drive a few days a week, others once a month. Regardless of how often people are able to volunteer, they are performing an important service, said program coordinator Linda Verville.

“Every driver helps someone get to where they need to go,” she said.

Volunteer John Saulle said that many ride services drop people off to their appointments and then require them to schedule another ride home after the appointment. However, volunteers with Age Friendly Saco, unlike other programs, will take someone to a medical appointment and wait for them, no matter how long the appointment is, and then drive them home.

“They are so grateful,” said Saulle, of the people he gives rides to.

Joan Fox, a retired court officer, found herself with free time on her hands and an urge to find something to fill it.

“I like to drive, so I thought, why not give this a shot. I absolutely love it,” she said.

For many people who are housebound, a volunteer driver is not only a person who can give them a ride, but a friendly face that can make their day less lonely. Some build relationships with a driver, and may ask for them specifically, said Verville. However, if their regular driver, isn’t available, they are just as thrilled with the new driver and the chance to chat with them, she said.

“They fall in love with every single person,” she said.

The feeling is mutual, as the drivers enjoy spending time with the people they give rides to.

“You get to hear their life stories, and the history of the city. It’s very interesting to listen to these stories,” said volunteer driver Dennis Ford. “I love it. It’s very fulfilling.”

Volunteer Nancy Scully agreed.

“You become very close to them,” she said.

While the Saco Age Friendly Ride Program has a steady core group of drivers, more volunteers are needed to provide Saco residents with transportation to medical appointments. Those interested in driving, as well as Saco residents who need a ride to a medical appointment, can call 207- 200-7668. Rides to appointments must be booked seven days in advance.

Age Friendly groups in Biddeford and Old Orchard Beach have established similar ride programs for older adults. Biddeford residents can call 207-391-9512 or email transportation.afb@gmail.com. Old Orchard Beach residents can call 207-294-2591 or email shuttle.oob.cfc@gmail.com.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.