The service is offered through the Jewish Veterans Support Program.
We are immensely grateful for the veterans who have bravely stood for our freedoms and it is our duty to support them with their social service needs. After conducting extensive research into the support needs of South Jersey veterans, Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Southern NJ learned that frequently, the continuity of much needed medical care is threatened as many veterans not have transportation to their medical appointments, particularly at the VA hospital in Philadelphia.
For this reason, Take the Wheel was born in October of 2014. Through this service, offered through the JFCS Veterans Support Program, veteran volunteer drivers are paired with veterans in need of transportation to their medical appointments and needed treatments. This service is not only offered to aging veterans, but also to younger veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) who cannot drive themselves.
Since the inception of the program, JFCS has serviced 42 veteran clients with transportation to medical appointments through 9 volunteer drivers.
The program coordinator, Nina Stairman, is dedicated to outreach and recruitment of veteran clients and volunteers. Meetings have occurred with the Camden County Office of Veterans Affairs and the County of Burlington Department of Human Services Division of Military & Veterans Services. Valued relationships have been formed with various groups such as the Disabled Veterans National Foundation, Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice and the American Legion Post 372.
There really is no greater gift than to help those who have helped us. To provide a critical service for our area veterans is an honor. The program is looking for volunteer drivers and would be pleased to welcome anyone who wishes to volunteer. Nina Stairman may be reached at (856) 424–1333, ext. 1541, and would be happy to answer any questions.
Please consider volunteering for Take the Wheel and show our veterans we care.
- Eastern Regional High School Theatre presents Les Miserables. This timeless classic was a hit on Broadway and as a movie musical. The show will be presented at the Eastern Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, March 9 at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 11 at 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 15 at 4:30 p.m., Friday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 18 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at www.eccrsd.booktix.com.
- Every Wednesday night through March is Family Movie Night at the Voorhees Town Center. On March 8, enjoy a bite to eat while watching Shrek 2 in the Food Court on the 16-foot screen. There will be a different movie every Wednesday. The movie begins at 6:30 p.m. in the child friendly viewing area.
- The Voorhees Business Association’s Annual Bowling Fundraiser will be on Friday, April 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Big Event located in the Ellisburg Shopping Center, 1536 Kings Highway N. in Cherry Hill. This year, the event will benefit various community causes. Bowling lanes will be available for individuals and groups with a maximum of six bowlers per lane. For $20, an individual bowler will be teamed up with other bowlers. A $95 donation gets one lane for six bowlers and includes pizza and a pitcher of soda. For $100, a corporate sponsorship, the group gets one lane and signage. A $150 corporate sponsorship gets one lane with signage, bowling for up to six bowlers, a free pizza and a pitcher of soda. There will also be a basket auction and a 50/50 raffle. For more information about the event or to register, visit www.voorheesbusinessassociation.org or send a check to the VBA, P.O. Box 349, Voorhees, New Jersey 08043 with “Bowling” and your sponsorship level in the memo line.
- The Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation Wine and Food Tasting will be held on Friday, April 7 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Virtua Barry Brown Education Building, 106 Carnie Boulevard in Voorhees. Ticket donations are $50 per person in advance or $60 per person at the door. For reservations, call (856) 784–0615 or visit www.victoriousfoundation.org. The foundation installs Teen Centers in hospitals throughout the country to bring hope, excitement and entertainment to teens facing difficult conditions while receiving hospital treatment.
