In September 2022 Aging Well in Waldo County (AWWC) launched an all-volunteer transportation program – called Gift of a Lift or GOAL for short. Seeking to allow people as they age to be able to enjoy meaningful lives while living in their homes; the service provides free transportation for local medical appointments, errands, socializing, classes, exercises, volunteering, shopping or other activities.
This program is for adults 50 years or older who live in Waldo County and their caregivers. The drivers will take riders across the county for activities that are not already being provided by other organizations. GOAL also intends to operate beyond business hours for reasons other than medical appointments when drivers are available.
To do this we need volunteer drivers from different regions of Waldo County. To be a driver, one must fill out a form, be background checked and present a vaccination passport, driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of adequate liability insurance. Our Covid guidelines continue to be updated. If you want to be a driver, a volunteer serving on the committee or need a ride – please contact AWWC at 207-218-0207 or infoawwc@gmail.com.
Riders will need to pre-register. GOAL will need riders’ addresses, and whether they will need assistance getting to the car, and riders’ vaccinations passports.
In the Spring of 2023, the GOAL committee chair moved to southern Maine. As of August 2023 a new chair has not been found. AWWC has suspended the program until a new chair steps forward. If you have interest in this leadership role and would like to find out more, please contact AWWC at 207-218-0207 or infoawwc@gmail.com.
Volunteers are also needed to serve on the GOAL Committee. Volunteers will schedule riders and drivers, promote GOAL to maximize services offered, communicate with the other volunteers involved in this program, train drivers or perhaps drive when a driver is unable to take their shift.
To find out more, call AWWC at 207-218-0207 or email: infoawwc@gmail.com.