By Gail Peckler-Dziki ~ Correspondent
Who do you call when you live in western Kenosha County and have difficulty getting to medical appointments or shopping?
You call the Volunteer Transportation Service. Its sponsored by Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services, Inc., and provides transportation for Kenosha County residents who are ambulatory but may have difficulty using public transit because of age or a disability.
Don O’Rouke lives in Twin Lakes. Three years ago he learned his vision wasn’t sharp enough to drive anymore. Don still needed to get to Union Grove Veteran’s Administration (VA) Hospital, shop and he didn’t want to miss out on social visits with friends in Antioch.
“I did move from Silver Lake to Twin Lakes so I was closer to some shopping,” he said, “but those aren’t the only trips I need to take. The drivers who have helped me are prompt and very helpful,” he commented.
He said that often he has the same drivers, but “Anyone who has come has been very kind. Since I have access to this service, I don’t find it so disappointing that I can no longer drive.”
Nick Ukropin lives in Paddock Lake and had to stop driving last year when physical limitations cramped his driving style. Nick served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954 and said his unit was ready to ship off to Korea, “But then they signed the peace treaty and we never went.”
He also spent six years in the Army Reserves. Because of his service, the VA sends a housekeeper who also does the grocery shopping, laundry drop-off and cooking.
“I still need a way to get to the VA Hospital and other medical appointments,” Nick explained, “and I still need to buy clothing and shop for other things.”
Nick grew up in Chicago, one of five children. He acted on good advice from a friend and bought real estate. In the 1950s when his dad retired as a switchman for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Nick told his dad to build a small house on a lot in Antioch.
“I told him that whenever he and my mom needed to get somewhere, I’d drive out from Chicago and take care of them,” Nick explained.
Now Nick is the one who needs the transportation. He has had several different drivers and they have all been prompt and very helpful.
“Even though I have a walker to help me walk,” he explained, “the driver often follows me into the store to make sure I don’t fall.”
The Volunteer Escort Service does state that they “are able to provide service to persons using assistive devices such as canes, walkers and /or portable oxygen. This program helps persons attend local and regional medical appointments.
Light shopping, picking up prescriptions, banking and other personal business are also made possible by this volunteer program. Rides are based upon the availability of drivers.
Drivers are volunteers who use their own cars. There is a nominal fee for this service.”
The service is looking for new volunteers all the time. Requirements are simple. If you like to drive and have some spare time, consider how rewarding your help and companionship would be to someone who can no longer get behind the wheel.
All you need is a car in good working condition, a good driving record, insurance coverage, and a desire to help the elderly and disabled in our community. Volunteer drivers are reimbursed 42 cents per mile. This program is extremely flexible and is based upon the driver’s availability. You can drive as little as once a month or as often as two or three times a week.
Pat and Richard Boe are a husband and wife team. Pat was the first to volunteer because Richard was still employed full-time in 2004. Pat was in customer-service oriented positions from working at a restaurant to serving as a licensed practical nurse to running a day care. So she’s always had the service mind-set.
When Pat heard that the Volunteer Escort Service needed volunteers, she responded. “I have had some regulars riders and I’ve had some that need me for only a short time.”
Husband Richard joined her to help a rider who was beginning to fail. “I could not help him alone,” Pat explained, “so Richard came along to help me. This man had ridden with me for a long time and I really wanted to help him. He had trouble walking and there was a bit of distance between the house and where my car was parked.”
Richard retired in 2007 from his career as a stonemason. “I did start out helping Pat, but then decided I needed to step up and get involved in some community service.”
Like many volunteer drivers, Richard became close to the people who need him. “One of my clients had been a teacher in Illinois for some time. He had emergency surgery at Burlington Hospital. When he had to go back after surgery, I took him every day for the eight days he needed to go.”
Pat and Richard will tell you that being a volunteer driver is not a one-way street. “Older people have a lot to share with you,” Richard said. “They know so much.”
“We meet all sorts of people,” Pat said. “And we enjoy every new clients. Its refreshing to meet new people.”
For more details or volunteer opportunities, please call (262) 842-7433.