Addressing Addressing Transportation in Transportation in

Grimes CountyGrimes CountyGroup 6

Dilber BulsaraErica Gibson

Ogeikpe NwoguJamie Truitt

IntroductionIntroductionThe Need

◦Transportation Barrier to health services & other basic needs Mentioned in every discussion group #1 most serious issue in all counties 65% reported: Needed transportation but could

not get it

IntroductionIntroductionTarget Population

◦65 + ◦Grimes County

Population: 25,552 15.6% are 65 or over 800 sq. miles

IntroductionIntroductionWhy target those 65+

◦Make up a significant portion of the population

◦Increasing number of older adults◦Need medical care/transportation more

often◦Not safe for them to drive

InterventionIntervention

Addressing the Problem

◦Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Diver Escort Program

InterventionInterventionRSVP and the Driver Escort Program

◦Evidence based◦Successful in rural areas◦High volunteer rates

Volu

nte

er

Rate

http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/role_impact/performance_research.asp

RSVP in Grimes CountyRSVP in Grimes CountyRSVP has been in Grimes County for 5 years

RSVP uses volunteers age of 55 and older to transport residents over the age of 65

Brazos Valley has around 250 stations where volunteers are located

Volunteers use their own vehicles to pick up those that need transportation and take them where ever they need to go (the volunteers are reimbursed for their gas)

RSVP in Grimes CountyRSVP in Grimes County

Transportation to medical facilities is where most are transported

RSVP also has one van in Grimes County ◦ There is no age restriction 

Although RSVP is present in Grimes County transportation is still a problem among seniors

Strategies to Increase Strategies to Increase Awareness of RSVPAwareness of RSVP

Create an RSVP Ambassadors/Advocacy Group

◦ Group of adults age 50 and older trained by RSVP Staff

Involve senior volunteers in the planning and decision making concerning RSVP in Grimes County

Recruitment Strategies Recruitment Strategies & Activities& Activities

Involve Community Partners◦ Reach target population & inform of services available◦ Recruit volunteers◦ Identify potential ambassadors

Involve Seniors◦ Train senior volunteers to speak at community events

and to community organizations to help raise awareness about the needs among older adults in their community 

Involve Advocacy/Ambassadors Group◦ Increase awareness & recruit volunteers

Community PartnersCommunity Partners United Way of the Brazos

Valley Brazos Valley Area Agency on

Aging (AAA) Veterans of Foreign Wars

(VFW) Retired Teachers Assoc. The Lena Mae Fares

Foundation Grimes county Health

Resource Commission

Local Churches Sunshine & Progressive Senior

Centers Local Public Health Dept Grimes St. Joseph Hospital

Community ResourcesCommunity ResourcesKiwinas Club @ NavasotaPublic Health Department

◦Office for holding meetings and extend semi-annual free check-ups for volunteers

Grimes St. Joseph HospitalLocal Radio & NewspaperLion’s Club

Impact on EnvironmentImpact on EnvironmentDecrease in transportation shortage among

target population

Increase in participation & utilization of RSVP

Identify partners with similar concerns and issues

Allow establishment of relationships with key individuals in different sectors in the community

Impact on EnvironmentImpact on EnvironmentProvided a solid network and forming coalitions

among senior groups and regionally

It has encouraged funders to form partnerships and to clarify and coordinate their financial roles and responsibilities

Considering the rural nature and the created atmosphere of networking, more senior residents are likely to embrace the program

Defining SuccessDefining Success

Increase RSVP utilization among seniors in Grimes County and increase the number of people who volunteer

Increase in participation among community partners

Improve the transportation problem among seniors in Grimes County

Enhance networking on individual and community level

Defining SuccessDefining SuccessA positive, value based approach:

◦A successful RSVP program captures the wisdom of seniors and promotes the theme of seniors as contributors to the society and to Grimes County

Defining SuccessDefining Success

Effective Community Awareness:

◦Successful programs have leaders with the necessary skills to sell the program

◦They know the programs value and how to package it

◦They use focal points to share and publicize success stories and build the case of value

Defining SuccessDefining SuccessStrong Community Partnerships:

◦Partnerships that foster sustainability are ones that share space, resources, services, tools and talents

◦They may support various aspects of the program, provide it with infrastructure, and integrate or combine activities

Defining SuccessDefining SuccessA clear need for the program:

◦Seniors themselves identify the RSVP program need and demonstrate readiness to be involved

Focused Efforts:◦The RSVP program focuses its efforts on

specific populations and on access to transportation for seniors. It is community based, volunteer driven and led by seniors

Defining SuccessDefining SuccessTimely planning and evaluation:

◦The RSVP program is developed with partners through joint, long term planning based on vision and mutual goal

◦Ongoing evaluation allows the program assess progress, make need adjustments and market itself

SustainabilitySustainability

Sustaining RSVP means it will continue as long as it is needed

It requires planning from the onset of the program

SustainabilitySustainability

Project management Maintain strong community partnershipsEnsure ownership by seniorsRecruit volunteers with a variety of skillsDevelop realistic & sustainable roles for

volunteersNurture volunteers

SustainabilitySustainability

• LeadershipoInternal Champion: an ambassador/advocate of

the program that is highly involved member of the community

• Research & EvaluationoMonitor utilization and participation in RSVP

ConclusionConclusion

Impact:◦Increase number of volunteers participating in RSVP

◦Increase use of RSVP among seniors in Grimes County

◦To decrease the transportation shortage in Grimes County among seniors

ResourcesResources Conversation with Rick Dysart- Area Agency on Aging on March 8, 2008 http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/role_impact/

performance_research.asp http://www.lmffoundation.org/about.html http://www.bvcog.net/?s=rsvp&pg=rsvp http://www.rsvpvolunteer.org/ http://www.seniorcorps.gov/about/programs/rsvp.asp Yassuda, Monica S., Wilson, Jennifer J. “Driving Cessation: The perspective

of senior drivers”. (1997) Educational Gerontology Vol. 23 Issue 6, p525

Questions