Volunteer Nathan Goldberg has a history of working with people. In 1999 he left a career in computers, went to graduate school, and started a new career as a math teacher in the New York City school system. He also taught chess, and continues to this day.
Nathan is someone who wants to make a difference. Now semi-retired, Nathan teaches chess after school hours and on weekends, most recently for DOROT, an intergenerational program for older adults. At a DOROT end-of-year activity, Nathan learned of TRA from a staffer. Intrigued by the idea of driving older adults and adults with low vision to medical appointments, he decided TRA might be a good fit.
TRA volunteer drivers choose their own rides by accessing the schedule through an online portal. Nathan says the system works well for him. He can see a multi-week schedule of ride requests, including such important information as if the rider uses a walker or if a caregiver will accompany.
TRA staff gets a big round of applause from Nathan. He finds the Call Center staff managing the scheduling to be very hard working and effective. He appreciates that they keep in touch with him, that he’s “not alone out there!”
When asked if he would recommend being a TRA volunteer driver to a friend, he replied “I already have!”
