Participant Application

Please read the information below which includes eligibility requirements and guidelines for all new participants.

Eligibility Requirements for Participant Services
Adult must be 50+ years of age or older
Must live in Oakton-Vienna-Reston-Herndon-Great Falls (we do handle a small portion of Fairfax, and will notify potential participants whether they are out of the service area during the initial call to our office)
Must be ambulatory; use of a cane or walker is acceptable.

Guidelines- for Free Transportation Service
Office hours are Monday-Friday, 10am – 4pm. You must speak to a SC Office Volunteer for your ride request to be processed by calling: 703.281.0538.

When making an initial contact allow at least THREE business days before your appointment. (Exceptions may be made in the event of an emergency at the discretion of the office staff).

Remember: No ride is ever guaranteed, and same day service is not available.

Provide the following information when making a service request:
Full name, address, and phone number of the doctor, therapist, or trip destination
Time, date and duration of the appointment.
For most medical/dental appointments, you may be charged if you do not cancel within 24 hours of the appointment. We will try to let you know the day before if no driver has picked up your request. However, if you have not heard from a driver or SC Office Volunteer the day before your requested date, you should make other arrangements for transportation.

If you have a Monday appointment the SC Office Volunteer will call you on Friday if no volunteer has picked up the ride.

It is up to the discretion of the driver whether any additional stops can be made. Participants are limited to a maximum of 3 rides drives per week, depending on driver availability.

All arrangements for your transportation are to be made through the Shepherd’s Center. Call the office immediately if your appointment is changed or cancelled.
703.281.5038. Participants are not to call volunteers at home unless to convey a cancellation of a drive after office hours.
Participants are responsible for paying any tolls or parking fees.
Drivers will take participants to appointments in most areas in Northern Virginia.
If an appointment or ride is cancelled, participants should contact the office to let us know.

Requirements for Medical Transportation

Please bring a current listing of all medications, including dosage amounts.
Have the contact information for your primary care physician.
Have Emergency Contact Information on hand.

Services Provided

Medical and Companion Transportation (groceries, hairdresser, banking, etc.)
Handy Helpers
Friendly Callers
Friendly Visitors
Veterans Initiative
Special Educational and Social Events

Please call the office or check the website for details on each service.


Remember everyone who performs a service for the Shepherd’s Center is a Volunteer. Please be considerate of their time and treat them with the same courtesy that you expect and deserve.

Lastly, thank you for your cooperation with these guidelines. If you have any questions or concerns about them, please contact the office. We welcome you as a new participant of the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia and we look forward to serving you in the future!