Joy Riding With Island Connections

Description

JOY RIDING with ISLAND CONNECTIONS
Island Connections is a local non-profit located in Bar Harbor that has been providing free transportation for seniors and people with disabilities on Mount Desert Island and the surrounding islands for over 21 years.  Transportation to medical appointments, cancer and dialysis treatments, outpatient surgeries, grocery shopping and/or food pantry visits and other basic needs are the primary focus of our organization.  Our neighbors, the people who sign up with us for rides, generally enjoy the interaction with our warm and caring drivers.  The interactions vary from basic exchanges of pleasantries, updates on the weather or can be as in-depth as discussions about current affairs or family life.  Each interaction is different and a function of the relationship building between the volunteer driver and our neighbors.  Our neighbors are very appreciative of the service we offer and the “joyful” rides that we provide.  These rides are all given with the utmost confidentially in mind so that no one’s dignity is effected in the process.  We know that the experience is a win/win all around for the neighbor and their families as well as the volunteer who has been given the opportunity to give back not only to their community but to individuals wishing to remain living independently in their homes.
 
Currently, our need for volunteer drivers is at a critical point, with the request for rides out-pacing volunteer recruitment.   We would like to ask each of you to come by the Bar Harbor YWCA on Mt Desert Street from 9:30am-11:30am to consider “Joy Riding”, or driving for Island Connections.  We will provide the coffee, pastry and start the discussion.  We ask that you bring yourself and a friend who may want to find out more information about this opportunity.  You need not sign up in advance, just come by the Bar Harbor YWCA located at 36 Mount Desert Street, at 9:30am on Thursday, September 13.
 
If you have questions or need more information, please call Dana Mastroianni at Island Connections, 288-4457 or via email at dana@islconnection.org.