BLING is pleased to announce the launch of New Gloucester Rides, a volunteer transportation program serving New Gloucester residents, developed with Lifelong Maine and AARP guidance and tools, and modeled on successful programs in other Maine towns, including Age-Friendly Saco and Central Maine’s Neighbors Driving Neighbors. Transportation is a vital need in rural Maine for older people and for people with disabilities. Those who do not drive, or who give up their driver’s license as they age, whose family members live in distant states, whose health care providers are miles away, face a profound lack of transportation. Volunteers vetted and trained by New Gloucester Rides will provide rides to medical and dental appointments.
We wish to build a solid group of Volunteer Drivers. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out our Volunteer Driver Application Form here, or give us a call for more info. We will hold an orientation for all interested Volunteer Drivers in late July.
Highlights for Volunteer Drivers
- You must be 21 or older
- You set your own availability and time commitment
- You use your own insured vehicle
- You are also covered at no cost by AARP-provided excess liability insurance
- You will be providing much-needed help to your New Gloucester neighbors
Highlights for Riders
- Rides are provided by volunteer drivers who have been vetted and trained
- Free to New Gloucester residents 50+ years old or with disabilities
- Rides may be requested for medical or dental services
- Rides are available weekdays 8 am to 3 pm, subject to driver availability
- Rides should not exceed 30 miles one way (60 miles round trip)
- Requests for rides should be made 5 days in advance
Contact:
Connie Justice, Coordinator
New Gloucester Rides
Phone 207-705-4721
Email NGRides1@gmail.com
