Samost JFCS (www.jfcssnj.org) is proud to announce the launch of Take the Wheel, a peer-to-peer (veteran-to-veteran) transportation service that is offered through the newly-created Veterans Support Program at JFCS. The Take the Wheel program addresses the unmet transportation needs of veterans living in Southern New Jersey, and places veterans in the driver’s seat, as they help drive other veterans who are in need of transportation to medical care, VA facilities, and wellness-related appointments.

According to the statistics, the State of NJ has over 472,000 veterans, with over 33,000 in Camden County alone. Estimates from Burlington County statistics suggest the veteran population comprises over 10% of the residents there. Their service ranges from the Korean War, WWII, Vietnam, the Gulf War and the most recent Iraqi and Afghanistan Wars. They range in age from their 20s up until their 90s. The challenges that they face are as diverse as their ages and time of their service. Many struggle due to physical impediments, mental challenges and poverty.