Volunteers Sought To Keep Transportation Ministry Moving
As case and resource manager at CrossNet Ministries in New Holland, Aryn Burda has been overseeing the organization's transportation ministry for some time, and she knows the valuable role volunteers play in helping participants reach appointments. "All our volunteers are a significant part of the story here at CrossNet," said Burda.
Burda noted that by developing relationships with those they transport, drivers offer more than just a ride to participants. "(Our drivers) have opportunities to connect with individuals and families by providing transportation, but also to hear about their day and how their appointments went," shared Burda. "They have conversations. It's more than just a transportation request; it is an opportunity to invest and be a light."
The transportation ministry was formed in March 2018, when CrossNet first partnered with the New Holland Area Kiwanis Club to provide rides for area children. The ministry transports children to specific appointments including medical, dental, and mental health visits, along with education-related meetings. Children must be accompanied by a guardian. Since the initial COVID-19 shutdown in 2020, rides for children have been provided by CrossNet staff and volunteers to protect the older Kiwanis Club members who were driving previously.
One way area children benefit from the ministry is through vision examinations and/or glasses provided by the Empower the Cross Fund. Qualifying children may be served by a partnership between CrossNet and Optometric Associates in New Holland, and vouchers may be provided for certain types of eyewear or for free exams and glasses.
A second group of volunteers provides rides for adults. Ride requests from women are sent to female drivers and for men to male drivers. Volunteers for both adults and children have had their driving records checked, and they have undergone all the required clearances.
Since the pandemic began, the transportation ministry has been providing about five rides per month, with only a few drivers at the wheel. "We are a little low on volunteers," noted Burda. "COVID-19 has impacted that pretty significantly." To be sure volunteer drivers and their passengers are safe, CrossNet is following protocols that require any participant above 2 years of age to wear a mask. Burda added that drivers are verified with regard to exposure or symptoms. "The volunteer must wipe down the van (or his or her own car) before and after a participant (is transported)," said Burda. "We are not transporting anyone who has any kind of (COVID-19) symptoms to the doctor or to COVID testing appointments, but (we can transport to) any other kind of medical or mental health appointment."
Individuals who are interested in volunteering or are in need of transportation may contact CrossNet social service program manager Marilyn Weaver, who is taking over running the transportation ministry, at 717-355-2454 or email marilyn@elancocross.org. More information about CrossNet Ministries may be found at https://elancocross.org.
Leave a Review