JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE RECEIVES $70,000 FOR NEW SENIOR TRANSPORTATION SERVICE

Funds to support “Navigator,” Uber/Lyft access for seniors without smartphones

East County News Service

March 13, 2017 (San Diego) -- Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) has been awarded $70,000 by the San Diego Foundation’s Age Friendly Communities Program to help improve the quality of life for older adults in San Diego through On the Go Navigator – a new addition to JFS’s existing On the Go program.

On the Go is the largest senior transportation program in San Diego County, with services varying from shuttles to field trips to individualized door-to-door rides from JFS volunteers. The programs provide transportation and access to various activities such as local outings, religious events, shopping centers and healthcare appointments, among many others. On the Go Navigator will allow older adults of all faiths and backgrounds to access these same activities through transportation networks such as Uber and Lyft. The new component bridges the gap between technology and human connection through ride requests that are dispatched for individuals who may not have smart phone access.

“Through the Navigator program, older adults will have a variety of transportation options on-demand,” said JFS CEO Michael Hopkins. “This will give them increased access to social participation, community support and healthcare services.”

In order to make this program possible, JFS has partnered with Lyft, Uber, 2-1-1 San Diego, SANDAG, San Diego County Volunteer Drive Coalition and the Council on Access and mobility.

Financed by the Del Mar Healthcare Fund, the San Diego Foundation’s Age Friendly Communities Program aims to create sustainable communities in San Diego County where older adults can affordably age in their homes, are fully included and engaged in the community, and are supported in active aging. The program is dedicated to engaging cross-sector collaborations of nonprofits, local government and businesses in more comprehensive efforts to engage and enhance services for the senior community.

To learn more, sign up for rides or volunteer, visit www.jfssd.org/onthego.

About Jewish Family Service

Since 1918, Jewish Family Service of San Diego has been a trusted community resource for individuals and families working to build better lives. Operating throughout San Diego County and the Coachella Valley, the agency’s integrated services are focused around three goals: Empower Individuals & Families to Move Toward Self-Sufficiency, Support Aging With Dignity, and Foster Community Connection & Engagement. Many people first turn to Jewish Family Service with a specific need, such as job coaching or transportation, and that first contact often leads to a wide range of services, including counseling, education, nutritious meals, social connection, and more. JFS was named a 2016 California Nonprofit of the Year and has earned a ninth consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator that highlights the work of efficient, ethical and open charities. To get help, volunteer, or to learn how JFS empowers change in our community, visit www.jfssd.org.