San Diego County CA— 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.