PeopleCare, Inc

Description

PeopleCare remains strongly committed to its founding vision, "that no older person in the last third of life will feel abandoned and will be able to live out their life in the most productive way possible." PeopleCare provides essential person-to-person contact that supports the emotional and physical well-being of older adults. The organization is an important link between fragile and isolated homebound individuals and the outside world. More than 2300 + volunteer hours have been dedicated to the organization's quality of life programs over last year alone.

PeopleCare, Inc. provides a variety of programs and services to address its mission. TheInformation and Referral Service focuses on improving the quality of life for those who are isolated and need referral for special services to respond to their evolving needs. It was apparent that there was also a serious need to provide transportation to medical or financial appointments. PeopleCare broadened the scope of its programs and in 1996 initiated The Volunteer Transportation and Outreach Program providing personalized volunteer transportation for the frail elderly who needed assistance at their destination. In the summer of 2001, the Voucher Taxi Program was initiated. Many of the elderly could no longer drive, had limited funds, but did not need the specialized services of the Volunteer program. The Rider Program provides a voucher subsidized by PeopleCare, and gives ambulatory seniors access to transportation for medical or financial appointments and to meet other needs. While the Volunteer program handles the large portion of transportation needs required by the elderly with some degree of mobility, the Rider program has become quite a success since its inception and continues to grow as the elderly population grows. The Rider Program also fosters independence and some portion of financial commitment by the elderly. There are a number of local villages that offer taxi programs however, PeopleCare does not offer its program in villages where such a program already exists.