1.     Check local transportation options — There are services in the community that provide rides to seniors at a very low cost ($2–5) — this should be the first place you call.  Edina Dial-A-Ride, Metro Mobility, or VEAP provide rides to seniors, especially for medical appointments, but also for other purposes.
Edina Dial-A-Ride: 952-474-5398
Metro Mobility: 651-602-1111
V.E.A.P.: 952-888-9616

2.          Contact friends, family, neighbors to see about getting or sharing a ride — Find out when they might be going “into town,” and see if you can accompany them on a periodic basis. It helps if you are flexible about when you are picked up and dropped off.

3.     Contact volunteer programs — the Normandale Center for Healing & Wholeness is one volunteer program that can organize a ride for those “in-between times” when other ride options are not forthcoming. The Center requires the following:

• Call at least a week ahead of time.Be flexible about pick up, drop off, and return trip times.

• When possible, schedule your appointment so that it ends before 3:30.

• Be ready when you’re supposed to go.

• Make sure that you call the Center (952-929-1697) if your ride needs change. The Center does not give out volunteer phone numbers.

• If possible, meet your ride at the main entrance/front door of your building.

• If you have a handicapped parking permit, please bring it with you so the volunteer driver may park in a convenient place for you.

• Volunteer driver and Healing & Wholeness Center are not responsible for riders’ personal items.

Reminder: Volunteers do not lift or transfer individuals, i.e., into or from wheelchairs, chairs, automobiles.

Our programs and services are provided without regard to faith practices, race, ethnicity, or economic need and are free unless noted otherwise.

For more information, contact the Care Team Coordinator, Shirley Pope, at 952.929.1697, ext 31.