Local Nonprofits Work Together to Keep Senior Citizens Connected

(Herndon Patch, Sept 19, 2020)

During the ongoing pandemic, Herndon Village Network (HVN) is working with RCC Rides to make sure senior citizens in Herndon and surrounding areas receive essential transportation services. These include private rides for “must do” errands like going to the doctor, shopping for groceries, and picking up prescriptions. The newfound cooperation is something they hope to continue beyond the pandemic.

“When several rides organizations curtailed activities months ago, some seniors in their areas were left without a way to see their doctors,” explained Chris Kittilstad, Rides Coordinator for Herndon Village Network (HVN). HVN’s drivers were happy to help out, and, now, this relationship has grown to where organizations are working together more often. It’s wonderful because it allows us to help more seniors throughout the region.”

Herndon Village Network (HVN) is part of NV Rides, the nonprofit that supports a network of volunteer rides programs throughout Northern Virginia. While all programs are unique in cost and service area, they have a common goal— keeping senior citizens connected to their communities. For an annual membership fee of only $20, HVN regularly serves senior citizens residing in the 20170 and select 20171 areas, and, in 2019, its drivers provided members 908 rides, totalling 19,578 miles.

To learn more about becoming a member or supporter of Herndon Village Network (HVN), please visit HerndonVillageNetwork.org. To find out which rides organizations support seniors who live outside of HVN’s regular service area, please visit https://herndonvillagenetwork.org/nv-rides/.