SENIOR TRANSPORTATION

The results of the survey can be read here.

If you would be interested helping driving, please click here to find out how.  

If you are an area organization and would like to be involved in helping our Seniors please click here.

In 2024, Crosslake Cares set out to learn more about the transportation challenges faced by seniors in the Crosslake area. Understanding the needs of the senior community has always been at the heart of our mission, and we believe that hearing directly from our areas seniors would guide us in making meaningful changes. We have heard about the issues regarding senior transportation in Crosslake and were curious on ways to help with it. 

To accomplish this, we conducted a survey that was launched at the 2024 Senior Expo, and what we discovered was eye-opening and beneficial for our plans. The results of the survey revealed a significant need for reliable transportation among the Crosslake senior population. Of the hundreds of total respondents, a staggering 71% were over the age of 71. These individuals highlighted their struggles in finding transportation for such needs as: medical appointments, running errands, attending church or other religious functions, and participating in social outings. This insight highlighted a pressing issue: transportation is not just a convenience, it’s a necessity for seniors for maintaining their independence, staying socially connected, and accessing vital services. As an organization dedicated to supporting and providing resources for seniors, Crosslake Cares knew we needed to act.

The transportation challenges in a small community facing our areas seniors is multifaceted. Limited transportation options, the inability to drive due to age or medical conditions, or a lack of nearby family and friends to provide regular rides all contribute to a growing sense of isolation for many older adults. For many seniors, the inability to access reliable transportation can lead to missed medical appointments, difficulty getting groceries or prescriptions, and decreased opportunities for socialization. These barriers can affect their physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being. Recognizing the importance of transportation resources, we were determined to find a solution that would ensure seniors in the area access to the transportation they need.

After extensive research and outreach, Crosslake Cares found the perfect partner in Interfaith Volunteers of Crow Wing County. Founded in 2001, Interfaith Volunteers has been dedicated to helping seniors remain safe and independent in their homes. Their programs provide essential transportation services for seniors and construction ramps to improve accessibility for those with mobility challenges. Together, Crosslake Cares and Interfaith Volunteers have launched a Joint Marketing Initiative to address the transportation needs of seniors in the Crosslake area. This partnership combined the strengths of both organizations, utilizing local connections, volunteer resources and expertise to create a solution.Through this collaboration, each organization brings its unique strengths to the table to create a seamless program for senior transportation. Crosslake Cares will be the connection by joining local organizations, community leaders and members to raise awareness, host informative meetings with individuals’ interest in volunteering, and answer community questions. Interfaith Volunteers is the operations with enrolling and onboarding volunteer drivers, providing volunteer driver training, providing liability insurance coverage, and coordinating ride requests with our volunteer drivers and seniors.

At the heart of this initiative are the volunteer drivers who make this possible. These volunteer drivers provide more than just a ride, they offer companionship, a friendly face and a sense of community for our seniors. In order to make this effort a reality, we need YOUR help! Becoming a volunteer driver is a meaningful way to give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of our seniors. The commitment is flexible, there is no minimum time commitment required and Interfaith Volunteers ensures that all drivers receive necessary training and support. You can register to volunteer on their website below or give them a call at: (218) 820-7454. Signing up to volunteer is a simple process: start by completing your basic information (name, address, contact info.), have a valid driver’s license, complete a simple background check, and tell IFV your preferred volunteer schedule. Interfaith Volunteers will take it from there and begin matching you with people in need in your community. To learn more about how to volunteer, please reach out to us at: jfbruder@gmail.com. Also check out our website and Facebook page (on page one) for more details and Interfaith Volunteers website at: interfaithvolunteers.org.

This partnership between Crosslake Cares and Interfaith Volunteers is about more than solving Crosslake’s transportation challenges, it’s about building a stronger, more connected community. By working together, we can help our seniors have the resources they need to live independently, stay connected, and thrive. Each year, Crosslake Cares strives to enhance the lives of seniors in Crosslake, and addressing transportation needs is a vital step in that mission. Join us in this effort because every ride counts!