Holocaust survivors in Broward County can now ride with a greater sense of independence, thanks to a new on-demand transportation option from Goodman Jewish Family Services.
The Davie-based agency recently partnered with GoGoGrandparent, a nationwide transportation service, to expand its Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program offerings. Through the service, which works like Uber or Lyft but is tailored to seniors and their specific needs, clients can get rides to medical appointments and grocery stores.
“It offers them the dignity to schedule their own transportation and to get to places on their own,” said Rami Spiegel, assistant director of the Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program. “Just because you’re not able to drive doesn’t mean you can’t make your own schedule.”
Each client gets a limited amount of one-way rides per month free of charge. Rides to JFS events are also included.
As survivors get used to the system, JFS plans to expand its offerings to allow them to book additional rides on their own, Spiegel said.
JFS has used other ride-share services before, but GoGo’s focus on seniors means extra support for survivors.
“One thing we love about GoGo is they have a long history with seniors, and the extra vetting with their drivers who are used to helping with walkers or if they are slow or hard of hearing,” Spiegel said.
GoGo was created in 2015 when co-founder Justin Boogaard was living with his grandmother. She asked him for a phone number for Uber since she no longer drove at night. Realizing she did not know how to use the app, he decided, along with his friend David Lung, to create a service that allows seniors to book rides without a smartphone.
All they have to do is dial a number. There is a 24-hour call center available, so they can schedule rides in advance.
Today, GoGo is offered in all 50 states as well as Canada and Australia. Their entrance into Broward County was seamless due to the high concentration of seniors in the area, according to GoGo.
Seniors and survivors who are not part of JFS can also use the service by purchasing a membership plan. Plans range from basic at $11.72 per month, plus the cost of rides, to a total care plan, which provides unlimited rides for $409.00 per month.
The Goodman JFS Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program also provides survivors with support groups, care coordination, help with benefits and more. For details about the program, visit jfsbroward.org.
To learn more about GoGoGrandparent, visit gogograndparent.com.
