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Community Corner

Family Services of Westchester's RideConnect Program Awarded Renewed Funding Through 2017

Family Services of Westchester, Inc. (FSW) announced today that its RideConnect Program, an information and referral service providing transportation options for older adults (60+), those with disabilities and home health care workers in northern Westchester, has been awarded renewed federal funding to continue the program through March 2017. The funding was awarded by the Department of Transportation under the federal New Freedom and Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) competitive grant programs.  The grant expands the RideConnect service area from the original communities of Bedford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, Pound Ridge, North Salem, North Castle and Somers, to now include Cortlandt, Ossining, Peekskill, Yorktown and New Castle, as well as an extensive database of providers countywide. 

“We are thrilled to be able to continue offering this vitally important service in northern Westchester where public transportation options are limited,” says Program Director Karen Ganis. “Our usage rates demonstrate how great the need is:  In 2012, RideConnect provided 1,000 rides/referrals while in 2013, we provided over 6,000.”

Older adults, individuals with disabilities and home health care workers can call RideConnect at (914) 242-7433 to talk with a transportation counselor about their individual transportation needs.   Rides can be scheduled for medical appointments, shopping, cultural events, hairdresser’s appointments, or errands.  Our services include volunteer drivers, RideConnect bus, information and referrals through our extensive database of providers and an on-site Social Worker. Staff members serve as personal assistants and direct callers to the fastest, most cost-effective transportation option to meet their needs.

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The RideConnect call center is staffed Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. However, with advanced notice, rides can be scheduled on weekends as well.  In addition, the RideConnect website (www.rideconnectwestchester.org) is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  In addition to the federal funds, RideConnect also receives support from the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services.

“RideConnect enables so many individuals, who otherwise feel isolated in their own communities, to remain mobile and independent,” says Ganis.  “We are so grateful for the renewed funding which will allow people to get out and about!”

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Ganis points out that there is an ongoing need for volunteer drivers in all communities.  Anyone interested in volunteering (you must be 21 or older) should contact Ms. Ganis at (914) 864-0955 or kganis@fsw.org.

About Family Services of Westchester:

FSW was founded in 1954 and runs more than 50 social service and mental health programs for all ages, including Head Start, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Adult and Youth Residences and Veterans Outreach and Support. Visit www.fsw.org for more information.

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