A Drive to Help: Aging Forward Durham Featured on Spectrum News
Aging Forward Durham is honored to be featured in a recent Spectrum News Everyday Heroes story, highlighting the impact of volunteer drivers who are helping seniors across North Durham stay connected to the care they need.
The story, titled “A drive to help: Volunteers transport Durham seniors to doctor appointments,” shines a light on a simple but powerful idea. Reliable transportation can change lives.
For many seniors, getting to a medical appointment is not always easy. Aging Forward Durham exists to remove that barrier and provide a path forward.
Meeting a Critical Need in Durham
Across Durham, many older adults live independently but no longer drive. While they are still able to manage their health, transportation can become a major obstacle.
Aging Forward Durham provides free rides to adults age 65 and older who live north of Interstate 85, ensuring they can attend medical appointments without added stress.
This service supports:
Doctor visits
Specialist care
Diagnostic appointments
Ongoing treatment needs
As highlighted in the Spectrum News story, this work is not just about transportation. It is about helping people stay healthy, independent, and connected.
The Heart of the Program: Volunteer Drivers
The Everyday Heroes segment focused on one of the many volunteers who make this work possible.
Debby Leonard, a retired banking professional, joined Aging Forward Durham shortly after the program launched in April 2025. Like many volunteers, she was looking for a meaningful way to give back.
She shared that the flexibility of the program allows her to choose when and how often she drives, making it easy to fit into her lifestyle.
More importantly, she spoke about the impact.
Helping someone get to an appointment may seem simple, but it creates a deep sense of purpose. It is about showing up for someone who needs support and making their day easier.
A Service That Makes a Difference
The story also followed a local rider, Aaron Turrentine III, who relies on Aging Forward Durham for transportation to medical appointments.
After losing his usual ride due to car trouble, he turned to the program and now uses the service regularly.
His experience reflects what many seniors feel.
The drivers are kind, supportive, and attentive. They make sure riders are comfortable and stay with them through the process, removing uncertainty from the experience.
For seniors navigating health challenges, that level of support can make a meaningful difference.
Built by Community, Powered by Care
Aging Forward Durham began in 2024 when three local churches recognized a growing need in the community. Seniors were missing appointments because they simply did not have a way to get there.
From that shared concern, a volunteer driven solution was created.
Since launching in April 2025, the program has:
Built a team of nearly 20 volunteer drivers
Supported around 30 local seniors
Provided consistent transportation to healthcare appointments
The organization continues to grow as more people learn about the service and step forward to help.
More Than a Ride
One of the most powerful takeaways from the Spectrum News story is that the rides themselves are only part of the impact.
The relationships built along the way matter just as much.
Drivers and riders often form meaningful connections through simple conversation. These moments help reduce isolation and create a stronger sense of community.
As one volunteer shared, every ride is an opportunity to connect, listen, and support someone in a meaningful way.
Looking Ahead
Aging Forward Durham continues to focus on its core mission of helping seniors reach healthcare appointments, but there are plans to expand services in the future.
Future goals include transportation to:
Grocery stores
Banks
Churches
Salons and essential services
As the program grows, so does the need for volunteers.
How You Can Get Involved
The recognition from Spectrum News highlights the importance of this work, but it also points to the opportunity ahead.
There are still seniors in North Durham who need reliable transportation.
You can help by:
Volunteering as a driver
Sharing information with seniors and families
Supporting the program through donations
Every new volunteer helps expand the reach of Aging Forward Durham and ensures more seniors can access the care they need.
Thank You to Our Community
We are grateful to Spectrum News for highlighting the work happening in North Durham and for recognizing the volunteers who make this mission possible.
Most importantly, we are thankful for the drivers, riders, and community members who continue to support Aging Forward Durham every day.
Together, we are helping seniors stay independent, connected, and cared for.