JFS CareVan Transportation Program
Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County
Overview
JFS CareVan helps clients to maintain their independence and self-sufficiency by providing rides to locations within the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area.
JFS CareVan can be used for transportation to:
- Social Activities
- Medical Appointments
- Shopping Malls
- Grocery Stores
- Errands
- Work
Eligibility
The 10-passenger CareVan is equipped with a wheelchair lift and can fit 1 wheelchair. It is available to anyone who is:
- over the age of 62,
- disabled, or
- a WorkFirst client
Transportation may also be provided to individuals in emergency situations on a per-case basis.
Hours of Operation
- Monday through Thursday
9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
(first pick-up is at 9:00 a.m.; last drop-off is at 4:30 p.m.)
- Friday
9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
(first pick-up is at 9:00 a.m.; last drop-off is at 12:00 p.m.)
- Friday afternoon, Saturday, and Sunday
Group events and religious services only
Fees
- $6.00 round trip (one-way trips still pay the $6.00 fee)
- a surcharge of $4.00 will be applied for roundtrips over 20 miles total
Fees may be adjusted by JFS social workers to accommodate those who are unable to pay the full fee. In order to receive an adjusted fee, a financial assistance application must be on file. The identity of those with an adjusted fee will always remain strictly confidential.
No one will be refused service because of an inability to pay!
Client Information Form
Riders are required to complete the Client Information Form prior to service.
The Client Information Form includes:
- Current address and phone number
- Emergency contact information
- Current medical conditions and special needs
To ensure the safety of JFS CareVan riders, the Client Information Form will be updated on an annual basis. Clients are responsible for relating any changes in the above information to JFS by phone at (734)769-0209, or in writing.
Reservations
For reservations, call (734)769-0209
Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. until Noon
Reservations must be made at least one week in advance of the scheduled trip.
JFS drivers cannot take reservations. Reservations can only be made by calling Jewish Family Services during designated hours. Every effort will be made to honor reasonable requests.
Recurring Appointments
Reservations can be made for recurring (standing) appointments and events up to one month in advance. Riders must notify JFS 24 hours in advance of any changes in recurring appointments, otherwise the cancellation policy will apply.
Policies
Cancellations
Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance. Riders will be billed for rides cancelled without a 24 hour notice unless due to an illness or an unavoidable emergency. This includes scheduled rides for which the rider does not show up.
Rider Assistance
All riders must be ready and able to board when the JFS CareVan arrives. The driver cannot transfer riders from a bed to a wheelchair, or a wheelchair to a bed. However, if needed, the driver will escort riders from door to door. Those riders unable to board the van will be accommodated with a wheelchair for the duration of the ride.
Riders
Once on board, riders must sign the driver’s log book acknowledging that they have received transportation services. Riders must buckle seat belts upon being seated and remain seated until the vehicle comes to a complete stop at the rider’s destination. No food or drink is permitted in the van.
JFS can refuse service, on a permanent basis if necessary, to any rider who shows a general lack of respect to staff or other riders, or for whatever other reason deemed inappropriate to use the transportation program.
Inclement Weather
All rides will be cancelled in the event of severe ice, snow, or other weather conditions that may compromise the safety of our riders and drivers. If the Ann Arbor public schools are closed due to severe weather conditions, the CareVan will not be in service. JFS reserves the right to cancel rides due to inclement weather, in which case riders will be notified in a timely manner.
Our Drivers
Qualifications and Training
JFS CareVan drivers have been educated in the proper procedures in the event of an accident. JFS drivers are carefully screened and have a current driver’s license on file. Our drivers have excellent driving records and are sensitive to the needs of the older adult and disabled population. In case of a medical or other emergency, JFS drivers will pull over and call 911.
Absolutely NO Tipping
Contributions to JFS in honor of the drivers are welcome.
