The Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey Partners With Envoy America to Launch a Transportation and Companionship Service for Older Adults

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., January 16, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Envoy America, a technology-enabled platform for transportation and companionship services for older ad0ults, announced a new partnership with the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey (JFSNJ), a vibrant, non-profit organization. This collaboration will help keep older Jewish adults engaged in the community via Envoy America's accompanied transportation service with social, recreational, and cultural programming infused with Jewish heritage and values.

"Social isolation remains a major risk factor for older adults' health, and transportation difficulties are often a top contributor to why they aren't connected or engaged with the people, places, and things that provide meaning in their life," said Ronit Boyd, Chief Impact & Innovation Officer, JFSNJ. "Older adults want autonomy, to come and go and enjoy life on their own terms. We are proud and excited to partner with Envoy America to provide this vital service to our community."

Founded in 2015 in Scottsdale, Arizona, Envoy America has invented a new category of care through leveraging human compassion and technology. Since its inception, the company focused on turning an untapped supply of compassionate talent, 45- to 60-year-old "younger" older adults and stay-at-home parents, into a new caregiver that the company calls Companion Drivers.

"Our Companion Drivers across the country have been addressing the Social Determinants of Health, including isolation, disengagement and loneliness since 2015, for older adults who stand to benefit from companionship, assistance and transportation services," said K. C. Kanaan, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Envoy America. "By providing access to social support outside and inside the home, those using the Envoy America service are less likely to need costly medical intervention and more able to live independent, healthy and more socially active lives."

According to Boyd, JFSNJ and Envoy America's mission, values, and culture of putting older adults first aligned well. "Partnering to serve older Jewish adults in the tri-county area our Federation serves addressed many concerns seniors and their loved ones have about traditional transportation services, giving them more than just a curb-to-curb drop off but a true individualized service without boundaries."

Envoy America Companion Drivers are compassionate individuals who are trained to understand the varying needs and challenges older adults face. All Companion Drivers must pass Envoy America's proprietary DCCP™ Skills Training (Driving Companionship Certification Program) which includes modules on communication etiquettes, defensive driving skills, working with walkers and transfer wheelchairs and serving clients with memory challenges.

The Jewish Federation Senior Rides Program is open to Jewish individuals age 60 or older who reside in the Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester Counties, New Jersey. For more specifics qualification and joining the program, please call 856-751-9500 x1118 or email [email protected].

About the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey

The Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey (JFSNJ) began in 1922 when a group of 29 people with vision and compassion for others created an organization which would serve the Jews of Camden. From humble beginnings focusing on the delivery of food, clothing, and shelter, we have grown into a communal organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing Jewish life throughout Southern NJ. The Jewish Federation encompasses facilities that serve approximately 56,700 people in the Jewish community of Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester Counties.

Locally, the Jewish Federation and our family of agencies are serving the needs of the Jewish population, including early childhood, young adults, special needs, and seniors. The Jewish Federation family of agencies enhances the lives of thousands of people through counseling; food pantries; low- and moderate-income housing; social, cultural, and recreational programs; Jewish education; and Israel advocacy.

The Jewish Federation's global mission is accomplished through a network of overseas partners assisting Jews in more than 90 countries worldwide.

About Envoy America

Envoy America is a women-led operation that was founded in 2015 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Envoy America and its team of Companion Drivers offer older adults and families companionship and transportation services to help them stay socially active, healthy and independent.

Across the U.S., health plans, accountable care and healthcare organizations, senior living communities, faith-based organizations and families look to Envoy to provide care to their members and residents. The company tailors its service to the goals of each member and resident, providing companionship, assistance and transportation services to activities the members and residents choose. This includes medical appointments, grocery shopping, religious services, sporting events, theater, cultural events, family get-togethers, walking their pet and help with technology — whatever they desire. For more information, visit www.envoyamerica.com.

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Source: Envoy America