About Us
Community is What Fuels Us
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Our Drive
Transportation for seniors is what motivates us
NV Rides supports a network of volunteer driver programs who make transportation for seniors possible in the Northern Virginia area. NV Rides’ charge is to increase capacity for existing volunteer driver programs and to expand volunteer transportation options throughout Northern Virginia.
When your organization joins NV Rides, you become part of this thriving network. You receive a plethora of resources at no cost to you.
Working in partnership with Fairfax County and the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA), NV Rides is housed at The Pozez Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (The J).
NV Rides: Our Journey
It all started with a phrase, a problem, a question, and a solution. The phrase was “age in place,” which refers to individuals who choose to remain in their homes for as long as they can do so. In 2012 Fairfax County administered a large-scale survey to learn about the emerging needs of older adults in the community. Survey results found that the aging population in Northern Virginia was growing rapidly. It became apparent to community leaders that the anticipated demographic shift would create increasing needs, requiring new and creative solutions.
Safe and reliable transportation for non-driving seniors emerged as a top issue. The question that the Fairfax County Health Department had in 2013 was: What can we do to help our neighbors aging in place with their transportation challenges?
The concern has always been that many Northern Virginia residents aging in place have to eventually give up driving. Losing the ability to drive often leads to an inability to take care of basic needs, such as grocery shopping or going to doctors’ appointments.
Fairfax County came up with a solution of pooling resources to create and support a network of volunteer driving organizations throughout Northern Virginia. The Pozez Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia agreed in 2014 to provide the home for “NV Rides,” which was tasked with encouraging and supporting an expanding network of volunteer driver groups.
Because of the success of our program, transportation for seniors is now possible. Thousands have been served and we hope to expand as the need for this service continues to grow.
Our Staff
Our Advisory Council
Our Advisory Council helps to guide NV Rides in fulfilling its mission of serving the needs of non-driving adults in Northern Virginia. Comprised of community stakeholders, the council meets on a quarterly basis to brainstorm and collaborate on ways to promote volunteer driving in the region.
Jeff Dannick
Executive Director, Pozez JCC
Pam Wiener
Adult Services Director, Pozez JCC
Michelle Pearlstein
Director of Development, Pozez JCC
Diana Katz
Co-Founder and Advisory Board Member, Giving Circle of Hope
Patricia Rohrer, MSW
Long Term Care Program Manager, Fairfax County Health Department
Nancy Fiedelman
ElderCare Consultant, Aynsley Group Ltd
Tom Eversole
Executive Director, Shepherd’s Center of McLean-Arlington-Falls Church
David Gamse
Chief Executive Officer, Jewish Council for the Aging
Cynthia Alarico, MPA
Mobility Manager, Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services
Sara Fought
Senior Director, Center for Information Services, Jewish Council for the Aging
Robin Edwards
Certified Senior Advisor, Care Patrol
With Your Help, We are Driving Change
We are making transportation for seniors possible
NV Rides promotes mobility for aging adults. Community-based volunteer organizations who provide transportation for seniors work with us to provide streamined services.
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miles driven
Total Rides provided
Volunteer hours
Volunteers
Our Partner Network
Jennifer Kanarek, MSW, NV Rides Manager
Jennifer assumed leadership of the NV Rides program while it was still in its infancy. She is responsible for developing the program from an idea to the thriving volunteer driving network it is today. Jennifer has worked in the non-profit sector for 20 years in various capacities including program management, marketing, fundraising development, and public relations. Previously, she served as a marketing director for the JCC in Manhattan where she oversaw the marketing and outreach for senior adult programs and support services. She has also served as the volunteer coordinator for Senior Companion program at the Knox County Area Agency on Aging in Knoxville, as well as a coordinator for a transitional housing program for homeless seniors administered by Catholic Charities of East Tennessee. She holds an MSW in Management, Leadership and Community Practice from the University of Tennessee, and a BS in Journalism from the University of Florida.
Rachel Simon, NV Rides Marketing and Outreach Coordinator
Rachel worked for Paychex, Inc. for 13 years where she was a top sales associate nationwide. More recently, Rachel has focused her efforts on non-profit and volunteer activities, allowing her to strengthen her community while raising two young children.
She has served as PTA President of her children’s elementary school, held several leadership positions at Temple Rodef Shalom, and is actively working for a variety of local nonprofits in a volunteer capacity.
Rachel enjoys experiencing life with her family, building and sustaining relationships, and making an impact in the community. She holds BA in Marketing from Virginia Tech.
Anna Stolley Persky, NV Rides Media and Communications Coordinator
Anna is an experienced journalist who has reported for Bloomberg News, Fox News Channel, and the Los Angeles Times. More recently, she has been writing for magazines and advising clients on media strategy. An adjunct professor at The Washington Center, Anna teaches college students about the First Amendment.
Anna graduated from Sarah Lawrence College and the University of California, Davis, King Hall School of Law. Anna is licensed to practice law in California, but is grateful to be here in Northern Virginia instead.