Ed Brown Center in National Pilot for Senior Ridesharing with Jewish Family Service

Editor’s Note: Rancho Bernardo’s Ed Brown Center with Jewish Family Service’s “On the Go” program is only one of three senior centers across the U.S. testing a pilot program to connect older adults with ridesharing to access health and wellness programs. The program is in partnership with Lyft and the National Council on Aging.

Image attached courtesy Jewish Family Service, and additional images available upon request.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Jewish Family Service’s “On the Go” Program to Test Ridesharing For Older Adults at the Ed Brown Center

Effort Will Enable More People to Participate in Senior Center Programs

San Diego (Aug. 8, 2019) – Jewish Family Service’s “On the Go” program in conjunction with Ed Brown Center is one of three senior centers selected from across the country to test an outreach and education program connecting older adults with ridesharing services, so they can participate in health and wellness programs.

 

The pilot program is part of a partnership with Lyft and the National Council on Aging (NCOA). The goal is to understand whether ridesharing can improve an older adult’s well-being by enabling them to travel to their local senior center to take part in activities such as health classes, nutrition programs, lifelong learning and social opportunities.

 

“Ed Brown Center in Rancho Bernardo is an important destination for older adults in San Diego, and we work hard to make the center programs accessible through a variety of transportation options for our members,” said Meredith Morgenroth, Jewish Family Service, senior director of social and wellness. “We are honored to implement this pilot program and hope that other senior centers will be able to learn from it to expand their transportation options for older adults.”

 

As San Diego County’s largest senior transportation program, “On the Go” calls upon local volunteers to provide a variety of services including group shuttles and individual door-to-door rides, as well as offers premium and on-demand transportation services for older adults.

 

For more information about Ed Brown Center and its programs for older adults, visit www.edbrowncenter.org. For more information on “On the Go” and transportation options, visit www.jfssd.org/onthego.

 

About Jewish Family Service of San Diego – Moving Forward Together
Founded in 1918, Jewish Family Service (JFS) is one of San Diego’s most impactful nonprofit agencies. Last year, JFS served more than 39,500 people, including more than 17,000 asylum seekers at its Migrant Family Shelter. Through integrated services, the organization empowers people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds to overcome challenges, set goals, and build more stable, secure, and connected lives. JFS is committed to helping individuals and families in crisis move forward, while developing innovative strategies to break cycles of poverty and strengthen our San Diego community. To get help, volunteer, or learn how you can join us in Moving Forward Together, visit www.jfssd.org or call 858-637-3000.

 

About Ed Brown Center
The Ed Brown Center is a gathering place for those who wish to participate in a variety of activities  – both active and sedentary. It’s a place to meet friends and share the experiences of a lifetime – a place that gives everyone a chance to stay healthy, active and connected to life. For more information, visit www.edbrowncenter.org.

 

About NCOA
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person’s right to age well. NCOA empowers individuals with trusted solutions to improve their own health and economic security—and protects and strengthens federal programs that people depend on as they age. Working with a nationwide network of partners and directly with individuals, NCOA’s goal is to improve the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020. Learn more at www.ncoa.org and @NCOAging.

 

About Lyft
Lyft was founded in 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation, and is available to 95% of the United States population as well as select cities in Canada. Lyft is committed to effecting positive change for our cities by offsetting carbon emissions from all rides, and by promoting transportation equity through shared rides, bikeshare systems, electric scooters, and public transit partnerships. For more information about Lyft in San Diego, visit the blog.

 

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