JFS Blog
Moving Forward Together with
On the Go
September 24, 2026
One of the ways JFS Legacy Society members help keep Jewish Family Service moving forward is by ensuring critical services and programs like On the Go can continue helping our neighbors.
In a region as expansive as San Diego, where driving is often the norm, transportation is more than a way to get from place to place. It’s a key part of staying connected, independent, and engaged in the community.
When older adults choose not to drive or no longer can, losing mobility can mean losing access to health care, groceries, and social connections that protect their physical and mental health. According to AARP, “By 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be over the age of 65.” Without access to reliable transportation, many of our older neighbors will skip critical meals and appointments—facing greater isolation and jeopardizing long-term health.
For the past 18 years, Jewish Family Service’s On the Go program has been providing safe, reliable rides throughout San Diego thanks to our trusted team of volunteer drivers. Read on to learn how On the Go is keeping our community moving forward together.
More Than a Ride
From going to the doctor and synagogue, to visiting the park or having lunch with a friend, On the Go is more than a ride, it’s about fueling connection, independence, and mobility. Being able to get somewhere is often what makes it possible for an older adult to continue living independently. People don’t stop having a life when they stop driving. In fact, with On the Go, some older adults get out more frequently than they have for years.
As part of JFS’s Aging Care Services, On the Go has always been about helping people age with dignity. Knowing that On the Go accepts riders age 60+ and facilitates free or heavily discounted rides provides peace of mind for many riders living on a fixed income alone or without family nearby or available to help. Reliability and safety also matter tremendously. Missing a ride can mean missing an appointment, a meal, an activity or an important connection. With On the Go, riders never have to worry about if their ride will show up or how to figure out a rideshare app. One phone call is all it takes.
Over the years, On the Go has become a trusted resource for thousands of older adults in our community. In the last year alone (July 2025-June 2026), JFS provided 28,972 safe rides throughout more than 50 different zip codes in San Diego.
This summer, we also expanded transportation assistance to include Solana Beach. Meet one of our Solana Beach riders featured in ABC10 News:
New senior transportation pilot program starts in Solana Beach >>
Meet Some of the People We Serve
Maintaining social connections can be just as important as going to the doctor or grocery store. Each and every connection to a friend or the larger community helps to preserve a full and enriching life and prevent depression—especially when living alone or isolated. Many of our riders use more than one JFS service, such as Congregate Dining, Foodmobile Home-Delivered Meals, Lieber’s Corner Market at JFS, or Fix-It Home Safety Modifications—but they all have one thing in common, they rely on On the Go to get to where they need to go.
“After my stroke, I started using On the Go to get to doctor appointments. Now, I also use it to get to lunch during the week, where I can eat a healthy meal and catch up with a friend. And I use it to get to Lieber’s Corner Market where I am able to pick up kosher groceries. I’m really happy with all the services—they are so easy to use.”
– Aahron
Aahron is a Jewish community member who stays active and independent with On the Go.
“I don’t like driving on freeways, and I needed to find a way to go to several doctor appointments. What a relief it is to know that I can count on On the Go when I need to be somewhere important.”
– Lalita
When Lalita faced an unexpected health challenge, she knew she could rely on On the Go.
“At this age, you need all the social life you can get! My daughter works full-time and isn’t able to drive me to Mahjong. I’ve been using On the Go for about a year now and it’s been a lifesaver.”
– Ina
“The best part about On the Go, is that I only have to call once a month and all my rides are scheduled. It’s so easy to use and it’s completely free. For me, On the Go is more than a ride, it helps me stay connected and make friends. I tell all my friends that they shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help, because using On the Go is a game changer.”
‒ Ann
Every Wednesday, Ann and Ina like to play mahjong together at Temple Emanu-El. Thanks to On the Go, they never have to worry about how they’ll get there.
Volunteers Fuel Our Response
Unlike rideshare, JFS volunteer drivers provide a more personal experience for people who may need additional support or reassurance. This is especially true for so many of our riders who are going to medical appointments. When riders know they have dependable transportation, it greatly reduces anxiety and stress, and often volunteers sign up to do a round-trip transportation, so riders know exactly who and how they are getting home.
JFS’s team of dedicated volunteer drivers also helps On the Go keep up with the growing demand for safe rides. Currently there is a waitlist of up to one year for new riders. Becoming a volunteer driver can be a rewarding experience that will change your life and the life of your riders in just a few miles!
“A ride is such an easy way to help to your neighbors and I know one day, I might need one too.”
‒ Lara
When JFS Volunteer Lara found out that her neighbors, Susie and Neil, needed a ride to the Aviva Saad and Ronnie Diamond Older Adult Center at JFS, she was happy to drive them.
“Driving for On The Go is the perfect volunteering opportunity for me. I can schedule a ride whenever I am available; sometimes that is over lunch, sometimes before or after work or on the weekend. I meet lots of interesting people this way, like today’s rider, Mr. Vargas (pictured), whom I’m teaching Dutch “on the go”! Next time I’m going to ask him to teach me some Spanish.”
‒ Peter
Peter has been a volunteer driver for the past year and always shows up with a beaming smile and a friendly hello.
“For me, it’s the reward of being able to provide a ride for someone who can no longer drive, or they no longer have a car, and they have places to go like medical appointments or coming to JFS’s older adult program. My mom had early Alzheimer’s and so this is a way for me to give back. Volunteering gives you purpose in life—you help people and you get more out of it than you even expect.”
‒ Linda
Linda has been a JFS volunteer for the past two years. She has helped with challah bakes, hygiene kits, and backpack drives, but her favorite volunteer shift is driving.
See what makes On the Go so special in a recent highlight from NBC7 News:
Calling all cars! Volunteers needed for senior ride service in San Diego >>
Moving Forward Together with On the Go
No one’s life should be defined by the transportation they need. If we only ask, “Where do you need to go?” we miss the larger question: “How can transportation help you continue doing what you love/need?” Transportation is not an end in itself. It is the bridge that allows people to remain connected to their communities, maintain their independence, access essential services, spend time with loved ones, and participate in the activities that bring meaning and purpose to their lives.
Helping people age with dignity includes helping them continue living the lives they choose. When we view transportation through that lens, we shift the focus from logistics to quality of life, creating systems that empower people to remain active participants in their communities at every stage of life.
On the Go is made possible thanks to support from local and federal grants, and generous community donors. Thanks to ongoing support from our Legacy Society, On the Go is just one of the ways we’re keeping our community Moving Forward Together.
Know someone who needs a ride? JFS can help! Visit www.jfssd.org/OTG for more information.
Know someone interested in driving a neighbor? As an On the Go volunteer driver, you’ll be doing more than providing a ride—you’ll be offering compassion, dignity, and support when it’s needed most. Visit www.jfssd.org/OTGvolunteer to learn more.
