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Transportation ministry in need of volunteers

JANESVILLE — The only family Genevieve Anderson has in town is her 90-year-old sister, who gives her rides to the grocery store and hair appointments.

Anderson hasn't driven since 2009, when she suffered a heart attack and a bad fall that left her with severe back injuries. At least twice a month she needs transportation to doctor appointments.

So the 94-year-old Janesville woman was grateful when a nurse at a local medical clinic told her about Love in Motion, a transportation ministry of Love In the Name of Christ of Rock County.

Anderson said she depends on the service and its volunteers.

"They're just a Godsend to me—all very nice, patient and wait with me even when the doctor is running late," she said.

The free service began with 10 volunteers when Love INC, a network of churches that links church ministries and volunteers to people in need, was established in February of 2008. The program now has 20 volunteers but needs more, said Raejene Schlenke, executive director.

Love INC can't fill the growing need for those who need transportation, she said.

Scheduling rides is complicated because the program matches volunteer drivers with clients of the same sex.

"We can't (always) provide a match," Schlenke said.

Love INC turns down about 10 transports a month because it lacks volunteers, she said.

Some volunteers are snowbirds, and one couple had surgery and haven't been able to donate their time lately, Schlenke said.

"That loss has a big impact when you have so few volunteers," she said.

The program averages 15 requests for rides each month, and demand has been up in the down the economy, said Tina Westman, clearinghouse coordinator.

Some clients have cars but can't afford gas or repairs, Schlenke said.

Most requests are for rides to medical facilities in the Rock County area. Most clients are elderly, poor or disabled, Westman said.

"The service is a gap ministry and filling a need in the community," she said.

But it goes beyond giving a ride, Schlenke said.

Volunteers build relationships with clients and often invite them to church, she said.

"Once they're connected to a volunteer and church, then there's a whole community of people willing to help," Schlenke said.

Volunteer Lee Williams, 65, Beloit, said she's developed close friendships with some of the women she drives.

"We have fun, joke a lot and share what's going on with each other's lives," she said.

Williams said she's willing to donate her time, vehicle and gas because it's something she's able to do.

"I have heart problems and had a stroke, so I'm limited to what I can do. But I can drive," she said.

"It's just a way to serve Jesus."