A ride to a doctor’s appointment. A trip to the grocery store. For many of us, these are small errands we barely think about. But for older adults in our community, it’s a critical question: how can I get a safe, affordable ride to my appointments when I can no longer drive myself there? Are there any services in Northern Virginia that can help?
The answer is yes! Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia (SCNOVA) volunteer drivers answer that call, both literally and figuratively. Our volunteer drivers help seniors stay healthy, connected, and independent.
Why Transportation Is a Top Health Barrier for Seniors
Nearly 2 in 3 seniors say a lack of transportation is one of the biggest barriers to their health. In a car-dependent region like Northern Virginia, that’s a serious problem. Without reliable transportation, a missed ride can mean a missed diagnosis, a skipped meal, or another day spent alone at home.
The effects go beyond a single missed appointment. When older adults can no longer drive, research shows they may lose up to 51% of their social network and face nearly double the risk of depression. Losing the ability to get around independently doesn’t just limit mobility — it can quietly unravel a person’s entire social world.
This is why volunteer driver programs like ours exist: to help older adults preserve their independence, their health, and their connection to the people and places that matter to them.
The Hidden Cost of Senior Isolation
Social isolation among older adults is more common than many people realize. Nearly 1 in 4 older adults in the U.S. experiences social isolation, and a lack of transportation is one of the top contributing factors (read more at NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA).
When seniors can’t get where they need to go, the consequences ripple outward: missed medical care, declining independence, and deepening loneliness. A single ride can change that. Many of our volunteer drivers are 50 and older themselves, and they often say the conversation during the drive is just as meaningful to them as it is to the person they’re driving.
What SCNOVA’s Volunteer Drivers Actually Do
Shepherd’s Center volunteer drivers use their own vehicles to take participants to:
- Medical, dental, and treatment appointments
- The pharmacy and grocery store
- The library
- Participants’ destination of choice
About 73% of rides are for medical, dental, or treatment needs, while the remainder support everyday errands and community connection. Participants are fully ambulatory, so no wheelchair assistance is required.
Keeping Seniors Connected During Summer, an Especially Lonely Season for Older Adults
Summer often brings to mind vacations, family gatherings, and full calendars. But for many older adults, it’s actually one of the loneliest times of year. Adult children travel, regular routines shift, and extreme heat can make it unsafe or difficult for seniors to leave their homes. Just when opportunities for connection are needed most, they often shrink.
That’s why programs like SCNOVA’s Friendly Caller Program, Friendly Visitors, and volunteer transportation matter year-round — but especially in summer. A ride to a medical appointment, a trip to the grocery store, or even a simple phone call can help an older adult feel seen, supported, and less alone. They’re a powerful reminder that someone cares!
A Real Story: Lalita and Wolf
Lalita is a familiar face at SCNOVA. A former SCNOVA volunteer herself, she now relies on our transportation program to get to and from important medical appointments — and since 2023, volunteer driver Wolf Scherer has been the one getting her there.
Three years, countless miles, and even more meaningful conversations later, their relationship is a perfect example of what this program is really about: not just rides, but relationships. Thank you, Wolfie!
How to Become a Volunteer Driver
Ready to make a real difference for your neighbors? Becoming a SCNOVA volunteer driver is simple:
- Minimum age: 25 or older
- Requirements: Valid driver’s license and auto insurance
- Schedule: Flexible — give what time you can
If you’re ready to help, fill out a volunteer application today. Already a volunteer? Consider inviting a friend, neighbor, or family member to join the mission. And if driving isn’t the right fit for you, we have a variety of other volunteer opportunities available — explore them all here.
One ride really can change everything.
Volunteer Application — Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia