• Putting the “care” in CareDriver

    Written by Karen Sampson

    When you’re doing mission-based work, like we do here at HopSkipDrive, the work itself comes with an innate sense of meaning and fulfillment. It’s a special feeling, being part of a team that cares deeply about the work being done. Being involved in a culture like this — one built on empathy, “where hearts and minds meet” — also engenders a feeling of gratitude on behalf of the organization for all of the people who work so hard every day to accomplish established objectives and goals. 
     
    The impact of the important work we do at HopSkipDrive is readily apparent. We aim to create opportunity for all through mobility by helping to arrange safe and reliable transportation for children ages 6 and up (and anyone else who may need a little extra care). 
     
    By doing so, we are making strides towards ensuring that all students get a fair shot at educational, extracurricular, enrichment and any other activities that contribute to academic achievement and lifetime success. 
     
    We consider this work to be imperative, which is why we invest time, money and resources into making sure that the values of those who join us in pursuing our mission align with ours. As a company, we strive to live our values every day. 
     
    When we talk about creating opportunity for all, we are also talking about creating opportunity for CareDrivers. Being a CareDriver is a unique experience that comes with many benefits, including competitive earnings, the ability to create your own schedule and the chance to connect to — and help — children and families in the local community.
     

    CareDrivers are born — not made

    We are extremely grateful for CareDrivers, who are an important part of the HopSkipDrive community. 
     
    CareDrivers are a special group of independent caregiving professionals who possess unique qualifications and characteristics. The 15-step CareDriver certification helps to ensure that every person who gains access to the HopSkipDrive platform as a CareDriver has what it takes to be successful. One of the most important qualifications, of course, is five years of caregiving experience.
     
    The result of the certification process is a cadre of CareDrivers who genuinely care about children and helping people, and believe in following the rules and putting safety first. The HopSkipDrive CareDriver community brings all of this (and so much more) to the table, including empathy, understanding, kindness and real-world experience working with or taking care of children and others who may need a little extra attention or assistance. 
     
    Being a CareDriver is, in essence, really about who you are deep down as a person.
     

    Expressions of gratitude

    The importance of the work we do is undeniable. And CareDrivers have a unique perspective on this, as they get the chance to see for themselves every single day just how much of what they do influences the lives of children and families in their communities. 
     
    Every ride a CareDriver claims can — and often does — make a world of difference in the life of a student. And judging from the glowing feedback we often get about CareDrivers from parents, schools and other organizations that use the HopSkipDrive platform, the work we are doing is deeply valued and appreciated by the communities we serve. 
     
    Here is a sampling of just some of the many expressions of gratitude Ride Organizers have shared with us:
     

    “‘Thank you’ are the only words that come to mind, with a sincere sense of relief and gratefulness. I work in the entertainment industry and I am a single mom. It’s very difficult on shoot days to be sure the kids can get to school in the morning or get home in the evening. I don’t know what else I would do when it comes to transportation for my children. We’ve been able to keep them in private school because we have a team like HopSkipDrive that can fill in the gaps when I can’t drive them. It’s only about five days a month but the relief in knowing that this support is there lasts so much longer for me as a parent. I am forever grateful.”

    “You guys are the best. I only wish you’d founded this company earlier — I’d have a lot less gray hair today if you had! Your service is amazing and the CareDrivers are great. THANK YOU!”

    “I am so thankful for HopSkipDrive! My life has gotten so busy since I had twins. When my oldest 13-year-old daughter has an appointment, I know I can use HopSkipDrive to get her where she needs to be and also get her picked up. She is very comfortable using HopSkipDrive; she says all the CareDrivers are so nice and the ride is always enjoyable.”

    “HopSkipDrive has been a wonderful resource for us to transport some of our students between the multiple locations of our school and synagogue for various activities. We have found that HopSkipDrive CareDrivers are friendly and reliable, their service is excellent, and safety is their top priority.”

    “Thank you for creating this wonderful company. As a single mother with a career, your services were invaluable to me at times. I mention your company to every single mother I know who is struggling to do it all.” 

    “HopSkipDrive has been a wonderful service for getting my 83-year-old mother to her medical appointments. I cannot always take off work to drive her, and HopSkipDrive has been a huge help. My dad usually rides along for company (for no extra charge) and they always have nothing but positive things to say about the professionalism, promptness, driving skills and friendliness of the CareDrivers. Thank you!”

    “We are so happy with the service quality that we’ve received from HopSkipDrive that we just can’t stop raving about it! The parents that we work with are very happy with the service, as are our students. It’s been a lifesaver for our youth service program.”

    “Thanks so much for being SO helpful with my foster daughter. I wish I could give you a hug!”

    Gratitude is a two-way street

    Mission-based organizations are often more aware of the contributions people make to their mission, and they’re also likely to be better at showing appreciation. Because a personal sense of fulfillment goes along with doing meaningful work, those who are part of a mission-driven culture are grateful for having the opportunity to be involved in something that is making a real, discernible difference in the world.
     
    Here’s what some CareDrivers have said about this very distinct experience:
     
    “I just wanted to say thank you for the opportunity to work with this company! Being able to set my own schedule and work with kids in my community is just the best. I love it!”
     

    “I appreciate the ladies who started this company. I am a former teacher, principal and superintendent. I’m retired now, but I love being back in contact with the kids. It’s fun! I love telling people about your organization by word of mouth because I believe in what you do.”

    “I’ve been driving with HopSkipDrive for a bit over a year now. I can’t express the gratification I receive from both children and parents. I’m so happy to be able to assist these families in need.”

    “Being a CareDriver is very rewarding, as I know I am providing a service that makes life easier not only for children but also for their parents, other caretakers, etc. The children I have driven over the last two years have been a delight.”

    “I am SO proud to be a CareDriver in the Seattle area! All of the kids are special, so polite and courteous, and it’s a pleasure to safely transport them. It is comforting to know they are safe going to and from school and that I can help in this way.”

    An attitude of gratitude

    As HopSkipDrive continues to grow and evolve, we remain committed to recognizing — and being grateful for — all the many ways that so many people contribute every day to our mission of creating opportunity for all through mobility.
     
    In closing, we share one last quote that speaks to our dedication to living our core values as a company and never losing sight of the things that matter: 
     
    “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” 
     
    –John F. Kennedy.
     

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