As we move through the festive holiday season, it’s hard not to feel a deep sense of gratitude for the many ways our Island community shows up for one another. At Healthy Aging Martha’s Vineyard, we are especially thankful for the dedicated volunteer drivers who make our newest program, MV Connect, possible.
MV Connect is a volunteer-driven program in which local community members provide rides to Older Adults so they can get to their scheduled medical appointments safely, efficiently, and without added stress. Transportation remains one of the most significant challenges for many older adults on the Island, and MV Connect was created to complement existing transportation services, including GoGo Grandparent, our on-demand ride service for older adults, and Chappy Connect, which provides rides for essential errands and appointments for Chappaquiddick residents. Together, these programs offer flexible, reliable support when it’s needed most. These rides make an extraordinary difference in someone’s ability to stay healthy, engaged, and independent.
As we look ahead to the new year, we warmly invite more Islanders to join this effort. Volunteering is simple: visit www.HAMV.org to complete the volunteer driver form, and our Program Manager, Diane Abbott, will guide you through the brief application process. Drivers accept rides only when it works for their schedules, and there is no weekly minimum. Truly, even one ride a week can profoundly impact the life of an older adult.
We will be hosting a tea early in the New Year to thank our current MV Connect drivers and welcome new volunteers interested in learning more. If you’d like to join us, please email CTrish@HAMV.org or visit www.HAMV.org for details.
During this season of thankfulness, we hope you’ll consider volunteering with MV Connect. A single ride can change someone’s day, and sometimes even their year.