MFS Project Linkage

We're a little late but we do llloooove our drivers. They go above and beyond to serve our community!

Today, we celebrate the incredible people who keep our communities moving. 🚌💚

On National Transit Driver Day 2026, everyone at Ride Connection extends our deepest gratitude to the dedicated transit drivers who show up every day with professionalism, patience, and heart.

You are more than drivers - you are lifelines. You connect neighbors to medical appointments, grocery stores, jobs, community centers, and to each other. Your commitment ensures that people of all abilities and incomes can travel safely and with dignity.

Thank you for the early mornings, the careful driving, the friendly greetings, and the miles you travel to serve others. Our community is stronger because of you.

💙 Drop a thank-you message below to show your appreciation for the drivers who make a difference every single day!

We love Ms Deann. Our volunteers are the best!

Meet Deann 💚🚐

After retiring from a career as a software engineer, Deann decided it was time to give back. Ride Connection had helped her parents get to medical appointments when she couldn’t leave work, and after losing her sister and later her parents, volunteering felt like a meaningful way to honor them.

Now a year into driving a ProjectLinkage van, Deann volunteers about 10 hours a month. She loves when riders sit up front so they can chat. “They have amazing stories,” she says.

One recent rider’s smile reminded her of the way her own mom used to light up when she saw her - a full-circle moment she’ll never forget.

Inspired by Deann? We’re always looking for more volunteer drivers. Even one day a month makes a huge difference. Sign up here to get started. 💚 https://rideconnection.org/get-involved/volunteer/

Help us assemble and deliver 150 gift bags to older adults in N and NE Portland.

Thanks to everyone who came to support MFS at a Gathering of Good. MFS is celebrating 75 years in service to community and Project Linkage 45. We couldn't do our work without your support. Thank you.

Thank you Ms Pat. We couldn't do this without you!

✨Meet Pat — journalist, educator, organizer, and community champion. ✨ After 16 years in Australia and New Zealand working across all forms of communication, Pat found her calling closer to home through volunteering with Project Linkage, a partnership program with Metropolitan Family Service (MFS) that provides door-to-door transportation and support for older adults and people with disabilities.

She saw folks at the community pool waiting for their rides — sometimes for hours — and thought, “No one should have to wait hours for transportation!” So, she took action. Since 2017, Pat has been driving customers and listening deeply to their stories, offering more than just a ride — offering dignity, warmth, and connection.

“These are very human situations, and I want to be present for that and validate their personhood. You never know how you treat someone will make a difference… people remember how you treat them and carry that experience with them.” -Pat

To Pat, volunteering isn’t just about transportation — it’s about meeting people where they are and showing up with compassion and care.

When asked if there's one message Pat could share with her community about Ride Connection, she said, “Volunteer! Start driving!” We couldn't have said it better ourselves. 💙🚗

We could not do what we do without Ride Connection. It really is an incredible partnership.

For many in our community, Ride Connection isn’t just a service—it’s a lifeline. 🚍💙 Without accessible and reliable transportation, some older adults and people with disabilities would have no way to leave their homes—no trips to the grocery store, no visits to the doctor, no chance to connect with friends and family.

We believe mobility is independence, and everyone deserves the freedom to access the places and people that matter most. That’s why we offer free rides that are safe, reliable, and hassle-free—ensuring everyone has the freedom to stay connected and engaged in their community.

If you or someone you know needs a ride, we’re here to help - because everyone deserves the chance to live fully!

Thank you Ms Holly! You are the best! Happy Volunteer month!

Volunteer Spotlight: MFS Project Linkage Driver Featured in Ride Connection’s Newsletter! 🚎

We’re excited to share that Holly, one of our dedicated MFS Project Linkage volunteers, is featured in Ride Connection’s quarterly newsletter! 🎉

After retiring from a 40-year career as a social worker, Holly wanted to keep making a difference—so she joined MFS’s Project Linkage, helping provide transportation for those in need. During the pandemic, she stepped up to drive customers to medical appointments, and she continues to volunteer weekly, ensuring each trip runs smoothly.

But Holly’s impact goes beyond just driving—she checks in with customers, offers emotional support, and helps them navigate their appointments. Her kindness and dedication shine through in everything she does: “People are doing the best they can—sometimes they just need a little help.”

We’re so grateful for Holly and thrilled to see her recognized by Ride Connection! Thank you for highlighting her incredible work.

Want to help your community like Holly? Learn more about volunteering with Project Linkage: https://www.mfspdx.org/volunteer

Metropolitan Family Service offices, including Project Linkage are closed for today. Our rides are canceled and we hope to be back tomorrow, depending on weather. Stay safe and warm. If you need help Multnomah County Care for When It’s cold webpage has lots of resources:

Care for When It's Cold Find the latest information on emergency shelters and enhanced street outreach — and how to volunteer if needed. Check out other tips and resources for how to stay safe during the winter months.