07Mar2026
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Contact

RAFT

328 Massachusetts Ave.
PO Box 1754
Berthoud, CO 80513

Dispatch Hours

8:00am - 5:00pm (Mon-Fri)

Office Hours

9:00am - 3:00pm (Mon-Fri)

(970) 532-0808

Volunteer to Be A Driver

Home Volunteer
Make a Difference—Become a Volunteer Driver!

Help our community stay active and independent by providing safe, friendly rides.

Help seniors and adults with disabilities stay independent with safe, door-to-door rides across rural Berthoud. Each trip connects a neighbor to medical care, groceries, work, education, and community—filling gaps where public transit can’t reach.

Volunteers use their own cars, choose flexible schedules, and make a measurable difference by reducing missed appointments and isolation.

Volunteer Driver Role

  • Drive seniors and adults with disabilities to local appointments and errands

  • Offer a friendly presence; light mobility help is optional

  • Be safe, punctual, and reliable on every trip

  • No heavy lifting or medical care involved

Requirements & Commitment

  • Valid driver’s license & safe driving record
  • Personal vehicle in good condition
  • Background check
  • Flexible schedule—volunteer as little or as much as you like!

Training & Support

  • Orientation and ongoing training provided

  • Staff support available for questions and emergencies
  • Regular volunteer meetings (optional)
  • Clear guidelines and resources provided.

Insurance, Safety & Reimbursement

  • Mileage reimbursement available at $X/mile
  • RAFT provides supplemental insurance
  • Clear accident and emergency protocols
  • COVID-19 and safety guidelines followed

Volunteer Benefits

  • Make a real impact in your community
  • Flexible scheduling, you choose your own rides
  • Recognition events and thank-you gifts
  • Letters of reference available 

Community Engagement

  • Participate in local events and outreach

  • Share RAFT info with neighbors and partners

  • Promote rides and volunteer needs on social media
  • Provide feedback to improve rider and volunteer experiences
Volunteer in Motion

Neighbors helping neighbors, mile by mile.

.With a steady hand and a safe ride, volunteer drivers turn everyday trips into lifelines—helping neighbors reach care, errands, and community with dignity.

RAFT Driver Feedback

What Does RAFT Mean to You?

FEEDBACK AND STORY

Lori Fulka

Charity Champion

Volunteer Spotlight

Each year, RAFT honors the volunteer driver with the most miles and trips driven. The dedication, time, and heart that it takes to achieve this award is laudable.
The award is named in memory of its first ever recipient and beloved community member, 🏆  Don Crain

Read Don Crain's Words

Dennis Wilson

2024 – Driver of the Year

Dennis Wilson

2023 – Driver of the Year

Dale Mitchem

2022 – Driver of the Year

Francis Thompson

2021 – Driver of the Year

Bob Runyan

2020 – Driver of the Year

Jennis Hansen

2019 – Driver of the Year

Jennis Hansen

2018 – Driver of the Year

Jennis Hansen

2017 – Driver of the Year

Neil Sperandeo

2016 – Driver of the Year

Ron Hunt

2015 – Driver of the Year

Don Crain

2014 – Driver of the Year
Our Proud Volunteers

Meet the neighbors who give their time, talent, and heart to keep our community moving

Alan Carlson
Dale Mitchem with Steve Conaway
Dennis Kampa and Ruth Fletcher-Carter
Jason Brooks
John Beck
Karen Moschini
Kari Purman and Frank Robinette
Kristi Swasko and Beth Frey
Ruth Fetcher-Carter
Steve Conaway, Arn and Lois Hart and Kurt Kessel
Sue Arnott Julie Adams and Vicki Kampa
Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer driver!

Start your impact today: check out the basic requirements for drivers and you’ll be ready to roll

Be at least 18 years of age

Provide a copy of a current valid driver’s license

Provide a copy of the car’s current registration

Provide a copy of the vehicle’s insurance card

Drive a clean, safe, dependable vehicle

Complete RAFT Volunteer Application

Clear criminal background and DMV record

Observe all speed limits and obey all traffic laws

Ready to get behind the wheel for good?

Flexible, local volunteering that turns everyday trips into lifelines for seniors and adults with disabilities.

Feel free to either fill out the form below or call us at (970)-532-0808 to schedule an appointment for onboarding and training.

    Personal Information

    Address Information

    Driver’s License Information

    Vehicle Information

    Insurance Information

    Emergency Contact

    Agreement & Submission

    RAFT Driver’s Policy Manual


    NEED HELP?

    FAQ - The Answers to Your Questions

    How do I apply? 

    Complete a short application and provide a valid driver’s license, insurance, and basic availability; orientation details will follow by email or phone.

    What if I can’t take a scheduled ride?

    Contact the scheduler as soon as possible so another driver can be assigned; timely notice helps riders avoid missed appointments.

    Can I choose which rides to accept?

    Yes. Drivers pick trips that fit their schedule, distance comfort, and vehicle suitability; simply confirm or decline when offered.

    What support is available if I have a problem?

    A scheduler and program coordinator are available for assistance, incident reporting, and guidance before, during, and after trips.

    How quickly is mileage reimbursed?

    Mileage is typically processed on a regular schedule (e.g., monthly); submit logs promptly to ensure timely reimbursement.

    Volunteer Driver Handbook

    Rural Alternative for Transportation (RAFT) some essential information about the policies and expectations of RAFT

    View Volunteer Driver handbook

    Feedback & Support

    Phone: (970) 532-0808
    Monday–Friday, 9am–3pm (ex holidays)
    Email: manager@berthoudraft.org

    Contact us

    Get a Ride

    To schedule a ride, call at (970) 532-0808 or click below to book a ride.

    Schedule a Ride

    Driving With Purpose

    Driver/Dispatcher Lori Fulka's Story

    We sat down with Lori Fulka, who has been a RAFT rider for couple of years, to talk about her experience.

    What inspired you to start volunteering with RAFT?

    My neighbor used to drive for RAFT, so once I was retired, I asked more about it from them. It sounded like a neat hometown program. 

    Can you share a memorable moment from one of your rides?

    A memorable moment - singing in the car on the way with the young adults who attend the WINGS program. One young man in particular who is usually quiet, has a BEAUTIFUL voice and miraculously knows all the words to the songs.  We just happened to be listening to his favorite radio station - KLOVE 

    What's a typical ride like for you?

    A typical ride - start my ride using the Spedsta software, drive to the clients' house and park out front, open the car door and greet them when they come out of their house.  Help them get buckled in, put their walker or cane, or backpack in the back of my car, drive to where I’m taking them, good conversation on the way there, pull up to the building, put the car in park, exit the vehicle and open the car door for them, wait until they are inside the building, drive off and take care of my errands.  Sometimes I also do the reverse and bring them back home. End the ride using the software.  

    Have you built any special relationships with riders?

    Special relationships with a few of these riders. Some of the older ladies remind me of my mom (now in heaven). I enjoy visiting with them and learning about the lives they’ve led. 

    What kind of feedback have you received from the riders?

    Most riders are very appreciative of all our efforts.  Some even say we’re a Godsend and they don’t know what they would do without RAFT. 

    How do you think this service helps the community?

    RAFT gives some older adults their independence and mobility back. It’s a grassroots neighbor helping neighbor kind of organization.  Every town in America should have something similar.  

    Anything you'd like to tell someone who's thinking about volunteering?

    Everyone has to run errands. Why not pick someone up who needs a ride to some place that is near your errand?  You will be helping those in need, helping out the RAFT team, AND you will feel good for volunteering - even if you only can do 1 ride per week. 

    …I strongly feel that without this program many of our Seniors, and Adults with special needs would be without transportation. Family members and friends can only do so much to cover these needs.

    In my observation and conversations I have come to the conclusion that many of our clients, if able to drive would be drivers for RAFT. They have a first-hand knowledge of what it is like to be without transportation.

    They have a first-hand knowledge of what it is like to be without transportation. Sometimes, in a joking way, we RAFT volunteer drivers say that we drive because we could some day be riders.

    I think all people who still drive and have some free time should consider driving for the RAFT program. At least give it a try. Remember this program is neighbor helping neigh-bor. You should be the neighbor helping until you are the neighbor who needs help. A person doesn’t need to drive but a few times before they understand why they are helping with this service!

    Don Crain