When Charlene Sweeney is behind the wheel of her Pontiac, she is a happy woman. From the day she started driving, 50 years ago, it has been her favorite pastime.
Signing on with the Volunteer Escort Driver Program was a natural for Sweeney, providing transportation for elderly and disabled people to doctors, hospitals and other necessary appointments.
The Volunteer Driver Escort Program is sponsored by Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services, Inc. (KAFASI), 7730 Sheridan Road. It serves those persons in the community who are ambulatory, but have difficulty using commercial transportation due to age or impairment.
The 71-year-old Sweeney has been with the Volunteer Driver Escort Program since last Spring. In August, she drove a client to Milwaukee for treatment five days a week, logging more than 1,700 miles in that one month.
"Whenever I drive anybody, they are king or queen for the day," Sweeney said. "Sometimes they feel like talking, sometimes they don't and I respect their privacy."
Sweeney is one of about 65 drivers who volunteer their time for the Volunteer Driver Escort Program, according to Barbara Tenuta, Transportation Coordinator for KAFASI.
"The amount of time they spend driving varies from driver to driver. Some only drive once a week," she said. "Some, like Charlene, like to go every day."
Most drivers are retirees and some go to warmer climates for the winter, so the need for more volunteers is especially acute in the cold months.
The American Cancer Society has teamed with KAFASI to offer rides to treatment for cancer patients. That partnership has substantially increased the need for driver escort volunteers.
Drivers are required to have proper insurance and a vehicle in good operating condition. Training is provided before drivers begin working in the program. Volunteer drivers are paid 35 cents a mile for the use of their vehicle.
Because of the Volunteer Escort Driver Program, Kenosha County seniors are able to keep medical appointments locally and in other cities. Shopping for groceries, prescriptions and other necessities is also possible.
Riders must be able to walk to the volunteer's automobile. Persons using canes, crutches and walkers are accepted, but those with folding wheelchairs must be accompanied by an attendant.
Sweeney said she began driving at age 21, but only after her father was convinced that she knew how to maintain an automobile and identify all of the important parts of an engine. As a young woman, she learned to change tires, replace headlights, check fan belts and air filters.
She still has a soft spot in her heart for her favorite car, a 1957 Plymouth with big tail fins.
"Oh, do I love those cars," she said.
Born and raised in Chicago, Sweeney retired nine years ago from a career in data entry. After living in Green Bay for a time, she moved to Kenosha last December.
She tried other volunteer activities, including spending time as a caregiver, but found the Volunteer Escort Driver Program more to her liking. She heard about the program one day while she was having lunch at a local restaurant.
"Because I love to drive, I went over to the Job Center to find out about it and they sent me over to KAFASI," Sweeney said.
Besides volunteering, her future includes finishing the requirements for a degree at Roosevelt University in Chicago. She is currently about 18 hours short of a bachelor's degree in music education.
"After I complete that one, I'll go for a master's," she said.
Drivers who are interested in joining the Volunteer Escort Driver Program should contact Dana Tehako-Esser, KAFASI Volunteer Services Coordinator, at (262) 658-3508, extension 120, or via e-mail at volunteer@mcleodusa.net.
