Jewish Family Services has named Jana Nye its March Volunteer of the Month.
Nye’s interest in volunteering for Jewish Family Services began when she saw a news report on JET Express in 2019.
“The news station filmed someone driving a client, and I wrote the number down, and that is where I found JFS,” Nye said.
JET Express is JFS’ volunteer driver program. Drivers primarily take older adults who no longer drive to the places they want and need to go, such as doctor's appointments, grocery stores, synagogues or even to see friends. Nye drives for JET Express at least two or three times a week.
“It is a very humbling experience to drive the elderly who are fighting to stay independent in their homes,” Nye said.
Nye, an Overland Park native and a retired nurse, takes JET Express clients to their doctors’ appointments and grocery shopping.
“After I drove a client to physical therapy for the first time, she said, ‘I am not going to have anyone else drive me,’” Nye said.
Nye has driven many JET Express passengers across the Kansas City area. There was one memorable ride that stood out to her.
“I always ask them (the JET Express rider) if there is any place else they would like to go on their way home, because I know that they do not always have transportation,” she said. “We went to the Smoke Shop because a client wanted to buy cigars.”
Rachel Ohlhausen, JFS’ Director of Program Operations, said Nye exemplifies JFS’ principle of being human-centered.
“This past year, Jana had to make the hard decision to decline a ride for one of our riders who was almost too weak to walk, and therefore not safe,” Ohlhausen said. “Jana followed up with JFS quickly, which allowed us to get the client food and groceries that Jana then delivered to her.”
Ohlhausen said Nye also worked with the social work team to share her on-site experience with the client and contributed quality information to inform decisions about how to interact with the client that was safe for them and JFS.
“The best volunteers truly help extend JFS’ helping hand in the community. Jana is one of those volunteers,” Ohlhausen said.
Nye said being a JET Express Driver is perfect for her schedule. She encourages her friends and family to volunteer for JFS.
“I do talk about [my volunteer work] and speak very highly about it because I feel very strongly about volunteering at Jewish Family Services,” Nye said.
Those interested in becoming a volunteer can contact the JFS Volunteer Engagement Team at (913) 730-1410 or .
