Claire Oliver – Managing editor. Working to implement the latest of its wide range of services, the Yamhill Community Action Partnership is turning to Linfield students to help get its bus buddy program underway.
Through the program, senior and disabled community members are paired with student volunteers who help them learn the details of the YCAP bus system so they can eventually use it on their own.
“Right now many are able to, but they are afraid,” Araceli Ortiz, a Linfield graduate from the class of ‘09 and YCAP’s Vista volunteer coordinator, said. “The program would allow them to ride safely and confidently and get to know the community.”
As Ortiz explained, however, the program is focused on two populations and is meant to benefit not only senior and disabled citizens but student participants, as well.
Ortiz said that, when she was a student, she would see the YCAP buses on campus but didn’t know how they worked.
The organization’s bus buddy program will provide participants with that information. And, as the bus stops at major stores such as Walmart and Ross Dress for Less in town and has routes that run to Hillsboro, Salem, Portland and even Portland International Airport, this information makes for an important resource.
Moreover, Ortiz said the program will offer students a chance to broaden their horizons.
“It’s an opportunity to connect with someone outside the Linfield bubble,” she said.
So far, Ortiz said recruiting students has been a challenge. However, she said she expects to hold the first training session on campus before the end of November.
The interactive orientation will last approximately a half-day and will teach volunteers the details of the bus system’s route schedule and safety procedures, as well as its special features.
As an incentive for participation, volunteers will receive a free monthly transit pass.
“[The goal is to] keep these training sessions simple and short, yet informative,” Ortiz said.
Once students are trained, they will be matched with seniors or disabled clients based on time availability and begin a mentorship program of sorts that will empower clients to ride the bus independently.
Apart from the program’s specific goals, Ortiz said she hopes participants on both sides will gain awareness of YCAP’s other services, as well.
In addition to its transportation, food bank and annual homeless count, YCAP also provides transitional housing and youth outreach services to McMinnville, Newberg and the surrounding communities.
In particular, Ortiz said YCAP’s energy and weatherization programs complement Linfield’s focus on sustainability and provide further opportunity for involvement. Students, for example, can volunteer as energy educators, teaching community members simple ways to save energy.
Ortiz said the organization has received assistance from the college in the past and is hoping to continue this relationship in the future.
“Linfield has a lot of great talent, I rely on it for volunteers,” Ortiz said.
For more information on YCAP’s bus buddy program, contact Ortiz at [email protected] or Pieter Schoonveld, YCAP’s transit manager, at [email protected].