It’s always difficult to say good-bye to one of our precious volunteers.  Yet, when life circumstances change and prevent a person from driving for the Volunteer Transportation program any longer, we understand.   We also collect exit reports from these outgoing volunteers to gain insight into their experiences with our program.  This week’s post comes directly from these surveys.

It has been quite heartening to peruse our most recent batch of exiting volunteer feedback.  You will note that many responses to questions echo others, and they all affirm the value of our work.  In addition, they offer many kudos for our hardworking schedulers!  Here are some of the statements from our volunteers:

• Helping in a way that is really appreciated and needed.  I found the information given to me before every ride was so helpful.
• Meeting the seniors and interacting with them.  Different experiences and stories every week.  Feeling a purpose beyond myself while I was in between jobs.
• Meeting nice people and feeling the satisfaction of helping others.
• Being able to help with transportation for people who needed it and chatting with the clients.
• The knowledge that I was helping members of my community I otherwise would not have met.
• Meeting the clients and discovering mutual associations.
• I really enjoyed visiting with the clients.  They were always so nice and appreciated the rides very much.  It was interesting to hear about their lives.

• Thanks you so much for everything.   To Amy: Keep up the great work!
• I think you’re doing such an excellent job!
• Great program!  … Donald is a pleasure to work with.  Keep up all the great work you do. 
• I really enjoyed working with everyone at Volunteer Transportation and the many coordinators over time.
• Great feedback from the dispatcher, Donald.  He was always available to help in any untoward situation.  A pleasure to work with.
• Can recommend SST to anybody who wants to volunteer.  It is very rewarding and fun.
• I enjoyed the experience very much, working with the staff and clients.
• It was a pleasure working with your dedicated staff.  I miss Donald’s cheery conversations.  Thank you all so much for organizing and keeping this vital services going for our needy seniors.
• This experience with Senior Services has been so rewarding and uplifting!  We thank you all for providing such a super environment for us to help others!
• Time has passed so swiftly since my orientation with Cindy fourteen years ago.  The void was filled since retirement and provided fulfillment.  We will miss you all and your dedication to a worthwhile endeavor.
• Everyone we dealt with at Senior Services was especially kind and caring.  Just the kind of personalities who work well with our clients!
• Donald is not only a fantastic coordinator but an amazing person.  His dedication and constant understanding and patience made Senior Services a great place to volunteer for.  Thank you!
• It has been such a pleasure all these years of talking with different schedulers beginning with Mary Ann way back in the 90’s and ending now with Amy.  They have a great sense of humor and they all do such a great job.