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The next time you see a bubbe whiz by in a private bus, clutching her groceries and shopping bags, rest assured she’s in good hands.

Get Up & Go, a program of the Peninsula JCC that offers senior citizens door-to-door transportation throughout San Mateo County, recently received the 2010 JCC Association Recognition Award, an accolade that highlights outstanding programs and services.

“This award gives us visibility,” said Betty Burr, a gerontologist and Get Up & Go program manager. “People who would truly benefit from this program are isolated and may not have heard of it. This award helps us reach out to those people.”

Get Up & Go is a three-year-old program supported by gifts to the PJCC in Foster City and grants from the S.F.-based Jewish Community Endowment Fund; Mills-Peninsula Health Services; and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s New Freedom Program.

A handful of volunteer drivers also make this program possible. They are the ones behind the wheels of PJCC-provided buses and minivans who take seniors shopping, to medical appointments and on other errands on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.

The ride is $5 roundtrip, and reservations must be made at least a week in advance. Rides are shared and buses fill up on a first-come, first-served basis. The program is open to people of all faiths and membership to the PJCC is not required.

Every Wednesday, drivers bring their passengers to the JCC for a low-cost lunch and other events, such as holiday celebrations, discussion groups and live music.

“Participants have been ecstatic about this program,” Burr said. “One daughter said that her mother would not be able to live alone had it not been for this program.”

The award was given out in May at the JCCs of North America Biennial Convention in Atlanta. The JCC Association includes 350 JCCs in the United States and Canada. 

To learn more about Get Up & Go, contact Betty Burr at  (650) 378-2750 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

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