Winchester-Frederick-Clarke Faith in Action

The goal of the program is to ensure that no eligible client be denied service and there is no waiting list for service. A current and ongoing goal is to increase the driver database with more credentialed drivers. Recruitment is a priority especially in the outer borders of the service area. The current driver pool is able to maintain the current demand and workload but more drivers is certainly desirable. Also, even though Faith in Action has been in operation in the area since 2004 it is not a widely recognized resource within the community. A current and on-going goal will be to make the program more prevalent in the area and recognized as a resource for those without means of transportation. Although there is no age criteria for service, the majority of our clients are age 55 and over. We estimate that approximately 75% of our clients fall into that category. The program is continuous and has no end date, it has offered continuous service since its inception in 2004. The majority of transports provided are to life-sustaining treatment such as chemotherapy, dialysis and radiation. Providing this service allows clients to remain in their homes longer instead of facility, they are able to take responsibility for their individual health care and able to retain their independence and since they are attending appointments the need for emergency treatment and progressive decline as a lack of treatment is hopefully alleviated. Clients are able to remain current with their health care treatment schedules and greatly reduce or eliminate the number of missed appointments. Consistent treatment regimens enable clients to maintain their overall health and well-being, decreasing the likelihood of re-hospitalization. Without access to FIA for transportation there would be a negative impact on the health and well-being of those served.

We will meet this goal by an increased presence at area events including but not limited to agency attendance at local health and wellness festivals, healthy living events, public speaking opportunities and networking with local professionals, other non-profits, congregations, etc.

This free program is managed by two workers, a part-time Executive Director and a part-time contracted Scheduler and a fleet of volunteer drivers. Both the director and scheduler play integral but different parts in the execution of the mission.

Driver recruitment and retention, administration, securing funding through grants, foundations, individuals and fundraisers and public speaking/engagement and reporting to the Board of Directors are major components of the Executive Directors position.

The contracted Scheduler maintains a relationship with all volunteer drivers and managers the scheduling of all client transports. The Scheduler also maintains the client and driver database and complies monthly and yearly statistics.

The Executive Director and Board of Directors are responsible and very active in the planning, seeking sponsorships, selling tickets, promotions and sweat equity during the events.

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Total Transports 2,000 2,552 3,285 2,964 3,261 1,380

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Unduplicated Clients Served 58 82 101 102 88 69
Total Miles Driven 59,584 67,625 61,766 67,891 33,832
Total Active Volunteers 40 30 31 31 14
Total Volunteer Hours 2,896 3,818 3,296 3,505 1,648