A Chat with Rider Mark Skolnick
Mark Skolnick is an artist, a veteran, and an enthusiastic member of a book study at his local church in Chesterfield County, VA. However, to be a part of these communities, Mark needs transportation.
That’s where UZURV comes in.
Every weekday, UZURV Drivers give Mark rides to and from the Circle Senior Center where he creates one-of-a-kind paintings. Every Monday evening, they deliver him to church. And, on occasion, they take him to the VA hospital for care.
“The drivers are very helpful, courteous,” Mark said in a recent chat. “My transportation is handled with great care, as well as awareness of time and safety. I emphasize safety.”
With UZURV, Mark stays connected
UZURV is a big help to Mark’s wife Deborah Westin who teaches an hour away at Longwood University.
“I was concerned about the distance to the Circle Center for Mark. I thought, ‘How is he going to get there if I’m working?’” Deborah recalled.
Circle Senior Center told Deborah about UZURV and its partnership with Chesterfield County Mobility Services (CCMS). CCMS partially funds transportation for Chesterfield residents with disabilities.
“After I got Mark registered, it was simple. Now, I reserve his rides each month.” Deborah smiled. “It really helps our lifestyle.”
But UZURV is more than a convenience for Mark and Deborah. Accessible, affordable transportation is a lifeline to Mark’s art, faith, and community. Riding with UZURV has also provided Mark a deeper experience because of the relationships he’s created.
“Circle Center offers a measure of healing and a healthy life experience through socialization,” Mark said about his artwork and connections there.
“My conversations with UZURV Drivers are also positive human sharing. They serve the same purpose as going to Circle. I get to share with the Drivers,” he added.
Door-to-door service is key
UZURV’s door-to-door service is especially important to Mark because he has difficulty judging distances. Having a Driver who is sensitive to his needs and who escorts him to and from his destination is a vital measure of safety for him and his wife.
Alice, a nurse with Home Helpers, works with Mark during the week and sometimes accompanies him on his UZURV rides. She appreciates that the Drivers address Mark by name, take their time, and that Mark seems relaxed with them.
Rave reviews for UZURV Drivers
Mark and Deborah couldn’t be more grateful for their UZURV Drivers. They sent CCMS glowing reviews – and they’re not alone.
Tracey Clock with CCMS loves the feedback she receives about UZURV Drivers. She and her team “ghost ride” with UZURV, so they can experience the service for themselves.
“It’s scary to ride outside your comfort zone,” Clock said. “The first couple of times, I was very nervous. Will they show up? Will I be on time? Am I going to have a problem? Will they cancel at the last minute?”
But her team gave UZURV high marks. “We’ve had very good experiences with UZURV. The drivers are courteous, on time. The app tells me who they are, where they are, or if the ride’s been switched. I feel very comfortable in their vehicles. No complaints,” Clock offered.
UZURV Drivers: Providing more than transportation
Mark and his UZURV Drivers have become close. Often, they talk with each other about important things in their lives and in the lives of the people they care about.
For Mark’s Drivers, the conversations have been meaningful.
“During the last five years, I haven’t met a person more filled with gratitude than Mark,” said Driver Rick McKeel. “His attitude comes through in every single conversation you have with him – as well as his sense of humor.”
McKeel went on to say, “If you’re having a really challenging day, and he gets in the car – you completely forget about it. I end up refocusing my energy on what I should be grateful for rather than things I can’t control. That’s a pretty remarkable thing in our culture today.”
Driver Denise McManus had similar things to say: “You can’t help but smile after you’ve been around Mark. It’s a very heartwarming, pleasant experience whenever I drive him.”
“He’s not just a client,” she continued. “I feel like I’m driving a friend.”
Even more than the personal connections, UZURV Drivers see themselves as something more.
Mark’s nurse, Alice, asked one of the drivers why he worked for UZURV and not another transportation network. “He said, ‘I’m not just a transporter. I see myself as a link between giving someone the opportunity to be the best possible version of themselves.’”