An Incredibly Rewarding Experience

July 23, 2026

By Greg Horan

Greetings neighbors,

I have been volunteering as an IVCG RIDES program driver for four months now. While it may seem like a simple thing to take someone to and from a medical appointment, it has given me a way to be of service and find purpose during a period of transition in my own life. This is also an incredibly rewarding experience.

I highly enjoy listening to my client’s stories about what they've seen and done in their lives, and I'm often amazed by how deeply involved the are in their communities, whether through friends, family, or in other ways. Their accounts of world travel, craft projects, or shows they’ve seen are inspiring.

My RIDES client, Sandy, has told me of her love of travel and family. She has been on many journeys, visiting over five countries, including Europe and Canada. Her adventures have also taken her to numerous popular National Parks in the West. To capture every moment of her travels, Sandy kept travel journals, documenting her experiences in great detail. She also wrote journals about her troops' activities when she was a Girl Scout leader and would read some of them aloud at Scout meetings. Sandy also wrote a 24-page essay about the heritage of her husband and family, providing insight into their history and traditions.

The seniors I help no longer drive and don’t have many other transportation options. A doctor's visit may seem routine to many of us, but it can become a major challenge when transportation is unavailable. 

By volunteering a few hours of my time, I can help remove one barrier and make it easier for my IVCG clients to get important medical care. 

Sometimes, I offer some encouragement and share my own life stories to brighten their day! When the ride is over, we’re both in a better place, and I eagerly anticipate the next ride.