Program offers assistance to individuals who need help with appointments.

LIMA, OH —Area Agency on Aging 3 is officially launching a new program on March 1. TrustedRiders provides non-medical, door-through-door human support and coordination for pre-arranged trips and appointments, whether by walking or with any form of ground transportation arranged through partners. and is currently seeking volunteers to become TrustedRiders Chaperones.

TrustedRiders chaperones are professionally screened and trained individuals who understand mobility needs and provide calm, respectful assistance every step of the way. From the front door to the destination and back again, riders are never left to navigate alone. TrustedRiders chaperones stay with them through transitions and check-ins to ensure complete support and safety for every rider, every time.

Area Agency on Aging 3 is currently seeking volunteers to act as helping hands, another set of ears to listen at appointments, or just company to help maneuver through a grocery store. Volunteers will go through an application process and a background check. These chaperones work with older adults and adults living with disabilities on public transportation, medical appointments, shopping/grocery trips, and any other task they may need support with.

“Seeing how much one individual’s act of service and kindness can impact another individual is a beautiful thing. Volunteers are individuals that don't expect anything in return, just seeing the support they are providing is gift enough,” stated Miranda van Rooyen, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program Director.

If someone would like to find out more or become one of the TrustedRiders chaperones, they can contact Miranda van Rooyen at 419-204-4303 or email [email protected], or Shelby Poling, Mobility Navigator, at 567-712-1902 or [email protected].

TrustedRiders is a free service to individuals who are enrolled in programs through Area Agency on Aging 3, or those aged 60+ or any age with a disability.