As I See It: JET Express is a blessing to those who ride and those who drive

A few years ago, when I attended the annual Jewish Family Services breakfast, I heard people speak about their experience volunteering for different JFS programs.

I clearly remember thinking that if those busy people could make time to volunteer, anyone could. And for the last two years it’s been one of the most gratifying things I have done. Once a week during my lunch “hour,” I leave my office, pick up Ruth from her house, drive her to her exercise class and then bring her home before returning to work.

Ruth and I didn’t know each other before JET Express, but from the moment we met we clicked. Ruth is an active, beautiful, vital and interesting 91-year-old woman who fills every day with meaningful activities. Because of neuropathy she can no longer drive, but that has not slowed her down one bit. She attends church, sings in her choir, participates in civic groups, exercises, goes to movies, spends time with her family and more.

Ruth has taught me much about aging gracefully and with dignity. She is always impeccably dressed, tastefully accessorized with colorful scarves, earrings, necklaces and socks reflecting the particular holiday season.

Ruth is hilarious, with a sunny disposition and abundant optimism. In the car, we talk about current events, politics, books, sports (she does all the talking there), our families, her church, my synagogue and her dog, Ethel. She was delighted and surprised when my family and I attended her Christmas concert at the Village Church, and I was very moved when she asked to come with me to the memorial service for the victims of the April 13 Jewish Community Center/Village Shalom shootings. Our driver/passenger relationship has grown into a deep and abiding friendship with mutual respect for our individual traditions.

Being a JET Express Driver is easy and fun. You can choose exactly when you drive, where you drive and who you drive. You can drive as much or as little as you have time for. You can choose your rides online. By helping older adults get to medical appointments, hair salons, grocery stores, volunteer opportunities, we help keep them healthy, active and vital.

Giving rides keeps older adults safe and gives them a valuable sense of companionship, community and independence.

Older adults in our community who are no longer able to drive need our help. Consider becoming a volunteer driver for the JET Express program. By being a JET Express driver I give much more than a ride and I get exponentially more back in return.

This story was originally published November 11, 2014 at 6:46 PM with the headline "As I See It: JET Express is a blessing to those who ride and those who drive."