Jewish Family Service of New Mexico

JFS’ Senior Transportation Project Expands Service Boundaries

On October 1, JFS’ popular Senior Transportation Project will expand its service boundaries to better serve Albuquerque seniors. In response to increased customer demand for the service and customer suggestions resulting from JFS Customer Satisfaction Surveys, the southern and western service area boundaries will be expanded to Gibson Blvd and the Rio Grande River respectively. The new service area boundaries essentially cover the entire east-side of the City of Albuquerque.

Many of our community’s seniors are isolated due to limited access to affordable public transportation services. Some seniors who quit driving are dependent on families or friends for transportation; however, many who have quit driving do not have access to either family or friends for this assistance. For frail elderly seniors who wish to maintain their independent living, access to public transportation services is critical. A primary need identified by seniors in our service area is affordable and accessible transportation. The lack of affordable and responsive transportation services negatively affects the quality of life of our community’s seniors and places them at risk for premature institutionalization.

Since 1999, JFS’ has operated the Senior Transportation Project (STP) to help meet the transportation needs of seniors. The Project provides customized, door-to-door transportation service to Albuquerque residents age 60+ to medical appointments and shopping trips. Group shopping and recreational trips are also provided. In fiscal year 2009, the Project served 347 persons and provided 5,205 one-way trips. Funding for the Project is provided by the Area Agency on Aging/City of Albuquerque, United Way of Central New Mexico, the Jewish Community Housing Corporation, the Daniels Fund and other foundations, and contributions from generous JFS donors. The financial support we receive from these Project partners allow JFS to make the service affordable; customers are requested to make a suggested donation as low as $5 for a round trip.

The Project’s drivers, Les Gregg and Pastor Castillo-Roman, are long-time JFS employees with a reputation for safety and kindness. Along with the Project’s assistant, Jeremy Davis, they are committed to providing professional, courteous and reliable service. For more information on how to access the transportation services and learn more about the Project, please contact Jeremy at 505-348-4516.