J-Rides/NV Rides

Be a champion in your CommUNITY: Volunteer with J Rides  

What is J-Rides?  

J-Rides, a member of the NV Rides family, was developed in 2015 for non-driving older adults needing rides to the J or to satellite locations throughout Northern Virginia. Rides can be requested for the fitness club, arts and culture, classes or speakers. Because many of the volunteer rides programs supported by NV Rides primarily cover rides for medical appointments and food access, J Rides fills a crucial gap for seniors aging in place by providing rides socialization opportunities in their commUNITY. 

J-Rides expansion in 2021 

As a Jewish community, we believe it is incumbent upon us to care for one another during the current health crisis, honoring our values of pikuach nefesh (saving a life) and bikur cholim (caring for the infirmed). We are acutely aware that the needs in the commUNITY are only increasing. That is why J-Rides is currently expanding its services to provide help where it is needed most. 

How can you help?  

Sign up to drive!  There is always a need of volunteers. A benefit of being a volunteer driver is that there are no up-front commitments.  You essentially signup to be in a “pool” of drivers.  Our simple- to- use cloud-based ride scheduling system will deliver an email each week with ride requests, and you select rides when they work with your schedule.  Whether you are helping with a medical appointment, going on a trip to the grocery store, or delivering a food bundle, you will see that you are making an impact.   

NV Rides will be holding online information sessions in January to provide more details about how the program works. Join us to learn how you can make a difference in your neighbors’ life.  Click on the date(s) below to register:

Tuesday, January 12 at 12 pm
Monday, January 18 at 10 am
Tuesday, January 26 at 7pm

Your time commitment is up to you. If you are you working from home, have a flexible schedule, or you just want to get out of the house for a bit, this is the perfect opportunity to take a screen break and do a mitzvah (good deed)!  

“I’ve done a thousand different volunteer things throughout my life, and when I’m a driver I know immediately that I am making a difference in that person’s day. More than any other volunteer experience I’ve done I find this one to be the most rewarding, by far.” -Liz Jones, Herndon, VA  

How can I sign up to drive?  

• Call 703.537.3071 or email jrides@theJ.org or fill out the Volunteer Application. 
• Volunteers are required to have a valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance.  
• Volunteers do NOT have to be J members  
• All drivers are asked to complete an application and do a brief orientation.  
• All drivers will go through a required background and DMV check.  

How can I request a ride through J-Rides?  

• This is a free service to any non-driving senior (55+) who would like to attend the J or a Pozez JCC program.  You do not need to be a member of the J to use the service.  
• Riders must be ambulatory and able to self-transfer into and out of the vehicle.  
• Wheelchairs cannot be accommodated, but walkers are permitted.  
• The Pozez JCC reserves the right to determine rider eligibility.  
• Please obtain a passenger application from the Guest Services Desk (the front entrance) or by calling 703.537.3074.  
• We ask for a 5-day notice in order to match a rider with a volunteer. Same day rides are not available 

How can I request a ride in my community?  

• You can contact any of our NV Rides partner organizations directly.  Click here to find a map that has all our programs listed.  
• Or call our office at 703.537.3071 and we can connect you with a program in your community.  
• Each program sets their own onboarding requirements and ride request procedures.  When you sign up as a passenger, they will inform you how their program operates.  

What is NV Rides? 

NV Rides, a partnership of the Pozez JCC, with the support of the Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington and Fairfax County, was initiated in 2014 as a service to community-based organizations providing volunteer transportation to non-driving seniors.  

Before the pandemic, the program supported rides to medical appointments or to the grocery store for non-driving adults 55+. As a response to the changing landscape of need in our community, in partnership with its network of programs, NV Rides has pivoted its operations to meet the evolving transportation needs of some of the most vulnerable Fairfax County residents.   

Over the last several months, NV Rides has helped its network of partners to coordinate food and medication deliveries to those with limited access to transportation, including food insecure families and individuals, those affected by Covid-19 in quarantine, grocery pick-up and delivery for high-risk adults, and makes daily check-in calls to isolated seniors to offer companionship 

Please visit www.nvrides.org or call 703.537.3070 to learn more and get involved.