By Marsha Sandman | CNA Media Team
Some older adults and people with disabilities need in-home support and/or transportation to live their lives gracefully. Not everyone has a family support system.
Through Project Linkage and Ride Connection, volunteers offer transport to make it possible for those in need to exist with dignity in their own homes, and to feel connected to their community.
Ride Connection is part of Metropolitan Family Service, a private nonprofit organization.
Full-time employees and volunteers provide rides to and from grocery stores, medical appointments and other destinations, using personal or agency vehicles.
“When people are no longer isolated, it’s easier to access healthy food, get to medical appointments and stay connected with their communities,” the 30-year-old organization’s website reported. “With the help of others, life is a little easier and a lot more fulfilling.”
Neighbors who serve as volunteers are rewarded with the satisfaction of seeing their time and energy make a real difference in a real way, according to Greg McAllister.
The local volunteer has a passion for giving and helping that began when, as a junior in high school, he joined the seminary. After nine years, he realized he had lost his belief in organized religion. So he left the seminary and moved to San Francisco’s Haight Ashbury.
As Greg moved around the country, he wore many hats. Among other jobs, he’s been a truck driver, bar tender, career adviser, editor, author, film maker and college professor.
Also along the way, he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a master’s degree in creative arts interdisciplinary studies.
After retiring, Greg and wife Linda moved to Vermont, where they both volunteered in hospice care for 10 years. Now in Portland, he cultivates his passions and enjoys his children and grandchildren.
“People are my passion and always have been,” Greg said. Does he walk that talk? Find out how at GregoryMcAllister.com.
As COVID-19 moves safely to the rearview mirror – and if you or someone you know is in need of transportation assistance – contact Ride Connection at 503. 226.0700 to register and request rides. You just might find Greg behind the wheel.
After living east, south, north and west, Marsha Sandman is home at last. And she wants to hear your story. Contact her at MarshaJSandman@gmail.com.