It is not easy to live in Louisville when you cannot drive. Many folks are not on a bus line, and even if they are, it is difficult to get to many appointments. Many seniors live in Louisville with no extended family members. Trips for medical care, errands, and grocery shopping often require a car ride.
When a senior loses the ability to drive, his/her world gets smaller and smaller. Many seniors share that the day they had to give up driving was the worst day in their lives.
What can you do to help? Offer your time as a volunteer driver! Jewish Family & Career Services offers a program to seniors who are in need of transportation – PALS, short for Passport Around Louisville Service. This service provides seniors the opportunity to continue to live independently in their homes. It improves their quality of life, promotes self-esteem, and often provides a social outlet that otherwise would be missing in the seniors’ lives.
These volunteers already are PALS Drivers: Gay Adelstein-Rapley, Mike Arwood, Janice Bailen, Frankie Bloom, Shellie Branson Green, Barbara Cambron, Esther Fox, Debbie Friedman, Barry Friedson, David Friedman, Nancy Gilman, Barbara Goldberg, Rita Goldstein, Linda Goodman and Harold Gordon.
Also, Don Habig, Madilyn Guss, Marcia Jacobs, Sam Jacobs, Jackie Kanovitz, Jody Katz, Michelle Klein, Karen Klempner, Laura Koby, Margie Kommor, Sylvia Kozlove, Sue LaSalle, Bernie Leeds, Phyllis Leibson, David Leibson, Lois Marcus, Goldia Morrison, Patsy O’Brien, Emily Podgursky, Siddy Rosenberg, Diana B. Schmied, Mark Smith, Bonnie Toborowsky, Helen Wahba, Stephi Wolff and Carol Zegart.
JFCS would like to add your name to this list. It does not have to be a huge commitment; just agree to drive once a month! You can volunteer by calling JFCS/ Shelley Kahn at 452-6341, ext 103 or by email at: skahn@jfcslouisville.org.