Uplift Rides: Preliminary Evaluation of a Volunteer-Staffed Transportation Program
Abstract
An evaluation of the transportation arm of a currently running, community-led project will contribute to understanding how members of the faith community may function as added support to recently incarcerated men with substance use disorder(s). The faith community’s involvement with transportation services is a novel approach to enhancing efficacy of substance use treatment in the region. This preliminary evaluation will provide partners and funders with practical insights into the effectiveness of a faith-based transportation service—focusing on facilitating interpersonal connection—to promote the well-being, recovery, and community integration of recently incarcerated men with substance use disorder(s). In its first year of operation, Uplift Rides recruited 12 volunteer drivers and provided transportation to 119 recently incarcerated men from sober living housing to job-training at a nearby technical college. Over 25,000 miles were traveled in year one of the project, and the number of volunteer drivers continues to grow with program exposure. Riders and drivers complete measures of demographics, substance use status, perceived stigma, social connection, current life concerns, and religious commitment at program entry. Follow up surveys are requested quarterly from riders whose location is known. Our evaluation examines riders’ (n=20) assessment of volunteer drivers. Findings indicate positive perceptions of the drivers. All (100%) respondents agree that drivers care about them, and none (0%) of the riders feel judged or interrogated by drivers. 75% of respondents report that drivers are nice and arrive on time. 70% of riders enjoy the experience, and 15% have attended church services with a volunteer driver. The present analyses suggest that faith-based volunteer transportation services may foster supportive relational connections and positively influence the reentry experience for men with substance use disorder(s). Initial findings support the acceptability and promise of the Uplift Rides model. The presentation will further discuss future evaluation and dissemination plans.
Start Time
15-4-2026 9:00 AM
End Time
15-4-2026 12:00 PM
Room Number
Culp Ballroom 316
Poster Number
56
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Subtype
Posters - Competitive
Presentation Category
Social Sciences
Student Type
Graduate and Professional Degree Students, Residents, Fellows
Faculty Mentor
Andrea Clements
Uplift Rides: Preliminary Evaluation of a Volunteer-Staffed Transportation Program
Culp Ballroom 316
An evaluation of the transportation arm of a currently running, community-led project will contribute to understanding how members of the faith community may function as added support to recently incarcerated men with substance use disorder(s). The faith community’s involvement with transportation services is a novel approach to enhancing efficacy of substance use treatment in the region. This preliminary evaluation will provide partners and funders with practical insights into the effectiveness of a faith-based transportation service—focusing on facilitating interpersonal connection—to promote the well-being, recovery, and community integration of recently incarcerated men with substance use disorder(s). In its first year of operation, Uplift Rides recruited 12 volunteer drivers and provided transportation to 119 recently incarcerated men from sober living housing to job-training at a nearby technical college. Over 25,000 miles were traveled in year one of the project, and the number of volunteer drivers continues to grow with program exposure. Riders and drivers complete measures of demographics, substance use status, perceived stigma, social connection, current life concerns, and religious commitment at program entry. Follow up surveys are requested quarterly from riders whose location is known. Our evaluation examines riders’ (n=20) assessment of volunteer drivers. Findings indicate positive perceptions of the drivers. All (100%) respondents agree that drivers care about them, and none (0%) of the riders feel judged or interrogated by drivers. 75% of respondents report that drivers are nice and arrive on time. 70% of riders enjoy the experience, and 15% have attended church services with a volunteer driver. The present analyses suggest that faith-based volunteer transportation services may foster supportive relational connections and positively influence the reentry experience for men with substance use disorder(s). Initial findings support the acceptability and promise of the Uplift Rides model. The presentation will further discuss future evaluation and dissemination plans.
