Spotlight on Volunteers: Staff Karla Rides Along
On a seasonably cold, windy, blustery, snowy afternoon in New Haven, I had the opportunity to ride along with our Trusted Ride Certified Chaperone Program. Excited (and freezing), I “shadowed” Dera, a talented and upcoming social worker who is interning with us from the Southern Connecticut State University.
Off we went to pick up our client Jane. I would describe Jane as a ticket, as in the full lottery! She reminded me of Ida B Wells, who is known for a famous quote “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.”
Jane was going to a local hospital for several medical appointments. Her medical condition can have sudden flare ups and it had recently flared up due to the stress of the pandemic. However, she had been “avoiding” medical appointments for fear of going alone, since her medical condition can affect her balance and is extremely painful.
As with many of our TRC rides, transportation was provided by a volunteer from Interfaith Caregivers of Greater New Haven while Dera stayed at Jane’s side "door-through-door". From going into Jane's home to help her get ready all the way to when Jane was settled back in at home, she was there. She navigated through the hallways and elevators and pedestrians. She even arranged for a wheelchair at the medical facility. All Jane had to do was focus on walking and keeping her balance.
When we completed our wellness check that night, Jane expressed her gratitude. She told us that because she had fallen multiple times previously, she was planning to cancel this critical appointment when she saw the snow and ice outside. "I am so happy I did not cancel my appointment today!"
I valued the time to see the incredible work of one our volunteers and so enjoyed meeting Jane, who kept me constantly laughing with her observations and jokes throughout the day.
