Lenore Hellum makes no bones about it, she loves the SOS Medical Appointment Transportation service. At almost 90 years of age, she says she doesn’t make bones about much.
“The dispatch staff at SOS are super efficient, courteous and patient. The volunteers… you can tell they volunteer for a reason. Their first priority is helping, and that comes through. Plus, they are all good looking,” she added jokingly.
Hellum had to stop driving about four years ago. She said she had to rely on friends to get her to her medical appointments, but as you get older, she explained, you have more appointments, and it was too much to ask her friends all the time.
Volunteers with the Medical Appointment Transportation service pick up residents at their homes, drive them to their appointments, and take them back home once they are finished. The program is free, but donations help offset the costs, and Lenore said she likes to make a donation as the service is so impressive.
“They confirm a day or two ahead, they are absolutely always on time, they come right to the door if you need assistance, you can tell they are safety conscious and they are courteous,” she said.
Bernice Prier is one of those courteous volunteer drivers. She started volunteering with the program about four years ago, and said it is very rewarding.
“It fulfills the reason I started volunteering, which is to work with and help people, ” she said, adding that she also likes to keep busy.
This year marks SOS’ 50th anniversary, and each month different programs are being celebrated. Throughout the month of August, SOS is celebrating the Medical Appointment Transportation service, along with the Emergency Assistance and Advocacy program, and Recreation Assistance for Children and Youth.
Clients of those programs are receiving small gifts to mark the occasion.
A single parent of three teenagers, a client of the Emergency Assistance and Advocacy Program named Jenn (her last name has been withheld to protect her identity) said the program has been a blessing.
“It’s not easy with the cost of living lately that keeps going up, to put food on the table. I know when I have to see the program co-ordinator Lisa, help is always there with a very friendly loving smile and caring heart.”
Dixie (her last name has been withheld) has accessed the Recreation Assistance for Children and Youth program and said it has enabled her to enroll her son in sports that she would not have been able to afford on her own.
“It has helped my son make new friends, learn new skills, and be an active part of our community. I am so very thankful for this program that betters our children’s lives.”
Hellum said that SOS programs are the key to keeping residents healthy and happy, and that will have long term impacts.
“You live longer if you’re a happy camper,” she said with a smile.
For more information about SOS and the 29 programs and services it currently offers to local residents of all ages, visit www.sosd69.com or call 250-248-2093.