RideConnect

Volunteer Driver Program

RideConnect is a volunteer driver program funded in part by the Ohio Department of Transportation to expand transportation options in Auglaize, Champaign, Darke, Logan, Mercer, Preble and Shelby Counties. We are also in the process of expanding the service into Miami, Montgomery, Greene, and Clark Counties. One of the goals is to eliminate gaps in transportation that exist because of the lack of cross-county and region-to-region transport.

This volunteer driving program is focused on transporting individuals to medical and non-medical appointments and to employment. Priority is given to older adults and individuals with disabilities as well as low-income populations who do not have access to other options. The program allows access for individuals who need transportation outside of traditional transit hours and cannot afford the high cost of private providers. RideConnect program availability is dependent on volunteer availability.

Volunteer Drivers Needed

We are recruiting and training volunteer drivers who can then provide curb-to-curb transportation for passengers who need rides to medical and non-medical destinations. Drivers use their personal vehicles to transport within their county and adjoining counties. This opportunity is flexible, as volunteers have the ability to accept and decline requests based on their geographic area and time they are available. Drivers are expected to safely operate their vehicles according to State of Ohio driving laws and fill out reporting forms.

Drivers are thoroughly trained and vetted, including a required background check. They must hold valid Ohio driver’s licenses with no more than three points accrued, and must be able to read maps and follow directions.

Driver Training & Onboarding

Catholic Social Services covers all fees associated with required screenings and trainings

SafeParish training – available online
Catholic Social Services volunteer onboarding & RideConnect training
Background check
Drug & alcohol screen and non-DOT physical
Defensive Driving Training – scheduled after volunteer starts
Optional/not required: CPR & First Aid

Each driver accepted into the program is encouraged to volunteer for at least two round-trip assignments per month. Catholic Social Services provides mileage reimbursement to volunteer drivers for approved program trips.

Ready to make a difference? Complete our online volunteer application or call 1.833.238.0227 ext. 1195 for more information.

Eligibility

This volunteer driving program is focused on transporting individuals to medical and non-medical appointments and to employment. Priority is given to older adults and individuals with disabilities as well as low-income populations who do not have access to other options. RideConnect program availability is dependent on volunteer availability. Our primary service area is Auglaize, Champaign, Darke, Logan, Mercer, Preble, and Shelby Counties. We are also working to expand the service into Miami, Montgomery, Greene, and Clark Counties.

At this time, we are actively recruiting and training additional volunteer drivers. If you are interested in learning more about becoming one of our drivers, please contact Michelle Caserta-Bixler or Heather Robison at 937.575.7111 or 1.833.289.0227 ext.1195.

Contact

For more information about this program, please contact Michelle Caserta-Bixler or Heather Robison at 937.575.7111 or 1.833.289.0227 ext.1195.

Location

Our Mobility Management team is headquartered at our Northern Counties Office:

100 S. Main Avenue, Suite 101
Sidney, Ohio 45365

Services are funded by the Ohio Department of Transportation.

View our Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Plan

Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley will make reasonable modifications to its policies and procedures upon request. To make a request, please call our Clients Rights Officer at 833.289.0227.

If you wish to file a complaint, our complaint form is available starting on page 15 of our ADA Plan. If you are not able to print and use this form, please contact our Clients Rights Officer at 833.289.0227.

View our Title VI Plan

Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin in accordance with the Title VI Act of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Title VI Complaint Procedure

Title VI Complaint Form

Latest News

RideConnect Exceeds ExpectationsJanuary 14, 2025 - 11:53 am
Primarily funded by the Ohio Department of Transportation, our RideConnect volunteer driver program has exceeded expectations in its first three years of its existence. Starting with one driver in July 2021, the program now has 25 drivers providing rides to essential appointments, work, and other destinations. Drivers logged 93,341 miles from July 2021 to the end of September 2024, providing more than 3,000 rides and spending over 4,400 hours serving others. Volunteers are trained, use their own vehicles, and are compensated for mileage.