<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0TXgmR_1GzjEIzm00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0TXgmR_1GzjEIzm00" width="1280" height="724" >ORLANDO, Fla. — Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando is looking to raise more money for its free transportation program as requests for rides outpace what the nonprofit can afford to provide.The RIDE program (Reliable Independent Drivers for the Elderly) provided 619 round trips to 56 people in 2025. Heather Petrusky, the nonprofit’s assistant director, said the program is on track to provide a similar level of service this year.The average ride costs the organization about $115, with private foundations, government grants and private donors helping cover the cost.“We get a far higher number of requests for assistance than we’re feasibly able to provide, which is why we have a wait list for the program,” Petrusky said.RIDE serves low-income seniors and adults with disabilities in Orange and Seminole counties. Qualifying residents can get up to two free round trips a month to destinations within 10 miles of home, including medical offices, grocery stores and food pantries. Applicants do not have to be Jewish to qualify.“It’s not always that people don’t have access to healthcare. It’s that they don’t have access to the proper transportation to get them there,” said Kimberly Carlson, a licensed clinical social worker.Carlson said one of her clients reached out for a food pantry appointment but had no way to get there. With RIDE, the client now has reliable transportation for groceries and doctor’s appointments.“Now she has a regularly scheduled appointment to go to the store to get her groceries, which allows her to set her own menus and have that independence,” Carlson said.Reliable transportation can also help riders stay connected to their communities, Petrusky said.“They’re able to be more engaged in their communities, all because the access to transportation is allowing them to have access to other critical resources,” Petrusky said.Residents can apply by calling Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando or submitting an inquiry through its website. A program coordinator reviews applications for eligibility. People who qualify are placed on the waiting list and contacted when a spot opens.</div></body>

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ORLANDO, Fla. — Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando is looking to raise more money for its free transportation program as requests for rides outpace what the nonprofit can afford to provide. The RIDE program (Reliable Independent Drivers for the Elderly) provided 619 round trips to 56 people in...

Free RIDE program faces growing demand in Orange and Seminole counties

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ORLANDO, Fla. — Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando is looking to raise more money for its free transportation program as requests for rides outpace 

Free RIDE program faces growing demand in Orange and Seminole counties

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