In October 2021, Sandy Hanson, with Solon Senior Advocates, launched Solon Senior Transport, a free ride service provided by volunteers.
“The Advocates had long been concerned about how to acquire necessary transportation for seniors,” said Hanson. “Many had medical appointments in Johnson County and SEATS wasn’t always easy to access. Others had appointments in Cedar Rapids and LIFTS transportation didn’t cross county lines.”
Solon Senior Support was also interested in how best to fill this need, she said.
“The Advocates took the initiative and were able to consult with a transportation program, Jasper County Rides in Newton, for information and advice on how to initiate a free transport program.”
Shortly after, Hanson passed the torch to current Coordinator Cindy Jensen.
“I had retired in May (’21). In the summer I was fine but by November I was wondering if I was going to sit around and watch TV all day.”
Jensen reached out to Hanson, who offered her the Coordinator position.
“At first it wasn’t a lot,” Jensen said.
“In 2021 we had 11 seniors who enrolled and requested medical transportation from one of the six volunteers who volunteered to drive seniors to and from medical appointments,” Hanson said.
Now, Senior Transport receives an average of 30 ride requests per month for eleven drivers (including Jensen), prompting a call for more volunteers willing to help their fellow Solonites on an as-needed basis.
Who is eligible for rides
Solon-area residents needing a ride to a medical appointment, physical therapy, church, the grocery store, the library, or around town age 65 or older, or a U.S. veteran, or who have a disability may apply to become a client. Currently, Solon Senior Transport can NOT accommodate wheelchairs. Also, volunteers may only drive clients to and from appointments. They are not permitted to escort clients into buildings.
Testimonials from clients (names withheld for privacy)
“I have lived in Solon for many years, and I am aware of the wonderful help Solon Senior Support gives our community. In the past year or so I have personally experienced it. On several occasions I have had medical appointments in Cedar Rapids, and also in Iowa City. I was unable to obtain rides. My alternative was short-notice cancellation. Instead, Solon Senior Support’s Cindy Jensen took my information and called me back with ride options. I was grateful beyond words.
On each occasion, the rides were from Solon-area neighbors. They were friendly, on time, and familiar with the locations. These were enjoyable experiences with kind and interesting people. The help I have received from Solon Senior Support and their volunteers is remarkable.
I am grateful beyond words for their kindness.”
“I appreciate someone always picking me up, taking me (usually) to therapy since I don’t drive anymore. This is a great service.”
Why they do it
“It keeps me busy, it makes me feel good, and it’s fun,” said Jensen. “I enjoy the conversations with these people, and I was reading an article about this grandma who was having dinner at her kid’s house. The grandkids were on their phones, nobody was talking to her, and it was really sad. You talk to them (older Americans) about their experiences. People like to talk about themselves and sometimes that’s missing with the elderly. They have lots of stories from their childhood, how they grew up, when they got married, how they raised their kids, and what was different then from now.”
Brian Broderick, a transplant to Solon, has been driving for a few years.
“At the end of 2022 I helped bussing tables at the Christmas Dinner and that was a lot of fun. I like meeting the volunteers and I like meeting the people that we help. I get to learn a little more about Solon and the history. When my wife and I moved here, it was like, ‘everybody’s been here a long time.’ No. A lot of people have moved here, especially people who come here for their grandkids (or to assist an elderly relative as in Broderick’s case). I want to get to know people here.”
Larry Brecht was among the first volunteer drivers.
“It helps fill some of my retirement time and I used to take my mother and my aunt and uncle to various appointments. They’re all gone now and actually, I kind of missed it and the clients appreciate it.”
How to become a client
Call Cindy Jensen at 319-360-3279. She will send you a brochure and client enrollment form (name, address, phone number, special instructions for the drivers, any mobility issues (cane or walker) or other special needs (such as portable oxygen), and an emergency contact person’s name and phone number. The form must be completed and mailed back (in the stamped, addressed envelope before rides can be scheduled.
To schedule a ride, call Jensen at least a week in advance (if possible) to ensure the availability of a driver. Jensen will need the following information – your full name, date and time of the appointment, destination name and address, and the approximate length of time for the appointment. Depending on availability, one driver might take you with another picking you up for the trip back home. Once your ride is scheduled, Jensen will contact you to inform you of who will be picking you up.
How to become a volunteer driver
Drivers undergo a background check including criminal and driving records (including any accidents in the past three years). Solon Senior Support makes copies of their insurance card and driver’s license. Most of the current drivers are retirees, Jensen noted, which provides availability during the daytime (when the appointments are) when volunteers in general are the scarcest.
If interested call Cindy Jensen at 319-360-3279 to get started.
Donations
Solon Senior Advocates and Solon Senior Support operate Solon Senior Transport as a free service. Donations account for much of the organizations’ funding, which makes their programs possible. In the case of Senior Transport, the drivers carry their own insurance but are also covered under supplemental insurance through Solon Senior Support.
While donations from clients are NOT required nor solicited, they are always gladly and gratefully accepted. Drivers cannot accept any donations however as they would then no longer be protected under the Good Samaritan Act and would also violate their Class C (non-commercial) driver’s license.
To make a donation to Solon Senior Transport, checks may be sent to:
Solon Senior Support
PO Box 131
Solon, Iowa 52333