Older adults who live alone, away from family, or in rural parts of Santa Clara County, may struggle with transportation challenges leading to isolation and its detrimental health effects. The solution is the Sourcewise Transit Service— a FREE transportation option for those who need it most.

The Sourcewise Transit Service provides door-to-door rides for older adults who have difficulty with ambulation, are isolated, andwho do not have other available transportation options. The Sourcewise Transit Service enhances transportation access for 11,574 South County residents who are aged 65 and older, and in need of connections to Senior Centers in Morgan Hill and Gilroy.

“When seniors give up driving, it impacts their mobility and affects their social connectedness. South County is a close-knit community, and we are proud to be offering a service that keeps individuals connected,” explains Rosie Jimenez, Director of Sourcewise South County Services. Rosie oversees all aspects of the Transit Service.

Since the program launch in April, the Sourcewise Transit Service has provided 2,433 one way rides and has doubled its operations to serve the growing demand as of October 31.

This holiday season, Sourcewise is partnering with the Mercury Wishbook whose mission is to highlight the needs of our community and to encourage a spirit of civic philanthropy to meet those needs by supporting this program. Learn about the service and those who use it on the Sourcewise page: Wishbook 2017.

“It’s made a difference in my life. It’s perfect and helpful to me,” shares Mary Elmsry, a Sourcewise Transit Service rider.

Sourcewise aims to raise $20,000 to offset costs of maintaining the vehicles: oil changes, fuel, and major wear replacement.

Support the Sourcewise Transit Service wish for 2017 with a contribution of any size by logging in to https://ssl.charityweb.net/wishbook-Sourcewise or send a check to: San Jose Mercury News Wish Book Fund, 4 N. 2nd Street, Suite 800, San Jose, CA 95113.