As the pandemic eases and more members are requesting rides, we have an urgent need for more volunteer drivers. Rides are by far our most popular request. Access to transportation has resounding benefits improving health outcomes and helping to combat social isolation. Last month our volunteers provided 144 one-way ride requests. Most trips are in the neighborhood—to medical appointments, the grocery store, and Village programs. Volunteering even once a week would be very helpful for many of our members. When talking with your family, friends, and neighbors about the Village, please let them know about our need for new volunteers to help with rides. For more information, prospective volunteer drivers can complete our volunteer application and a staff member will be in touch soon.

Our next volunteer driver orientation will be onThursday, November 10th from 10:30 am to 12 pm on Zoom

Volunteer Driver Testimonials

Our volunteer drivers find the experience very rewarding—they are so much more than Uber drivers! The rides are an opportunity to make new friends and help your neighbors simultaneously! Here’s what our veteran volunteer drivers have to say about the experience:

Ann and Mike Van Dusen, a wife and husband team, often team up to drive members. Ann describes their experience driving as “Serendipity! That’s what we have come to expect when we sign up to drive. We have gotten to know a neighbor just a couple of streets from us who has become a good friend. We have gotten to know the spouse of a dear deceased friend of ours. We have learned about streets and parks in our neighborhood that we never knew were there (and we have lived in the neighborhood for 47 years!) AND, we have had some of the most interesting and informative conversations with some of the most engaging and accomplished Northwest Neighbors Village (NNV) members while driving to or from appointments. Driving for NNV is about so much more than getting from point A to point B!”

Vin Rocque has been a volunteer driver almost since the village opened: He shares “I have been driving NNV members on a regular basis for 11+ years. Far from some chore, it is a wonderful pleasure in my life, giving me a sense of purpose, well-being, community, connection with others, personal growth, delight and joy. For me it is fun....”

Susan Crawford began volunteering during the pandemic and has jumped right in. Susan says that “the most rewarding aspect of being a volunteer driver is the opportunity to spend time one-on-one with members.  Each member I have driven has an interesting background with much knowledge to share, knows much about the city having lived here for a time, and has a positive attitude.  I have found each to be an inspiration and all are very grateful for the service.”

We hope you’ll join the Van Dusens, Vin, and Susan and see for yourself the many benefits and rewards of being a volunteer driver!

Our volunteer drivers are trained and fully supported by the Village staff. Volunteers are offered enhanced training throughout the year. We also host gatherings so you can meet your fellow volunteers and compare notes.

If you have any questions about volunteer driving with the Village, please contact us at info@nnvdc.org or 202-935-6060!