The Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island (JCCGCI) is proud to release the 2025 Impact Report for its Older Adult Transportation Program, highlighting another year of extraordinary growth and service to thousands of older adults throughout Brooklyn and beyond.

Since 1981, JCCGCI has been committed to helping older adults age safely and independently in their homes while remaining connected to the people, services, and communities that matter most. The Older Adult Transportation Program plays a vital role in that mission, providing free transportation to medical appointments, dialysis treatments, senior centers, shopping destinations, family visits, educational opportunities, and other essential services.

The newly released report showcases the program’s continued expansion and growing impact. In 2025 alone, JCCGCI provided 110,661 one-way trips to 6,125 clients—representing dramatic growth from 48,226 rides and 2,804 clients served just four years earlier in 2021. The program has now become one of the largest transportation providers serving older adults in New York City and has maintained its position as Brooklyn’s largest standalone transportation provider for nearly a decade.

The success of the Older Adult Transportation Program would not be possible without the dedication of its outstanding leadership team: Solomon Nadaf, Program Director; Abigail Adler, Administrative Director; and Daniella Russ, Transportation Administrative Coordinator. Together, their commitment, expertise, and collaborative leadership help ensure that thousands of older adults and individuals with disabilities receive compassionate, reliable, and dignified transportation services each year. Through their collective efforts, the program continues to expand its reach, strengthen its operations, and improve access to critical medical, social, and community resources for some of New York City’s most vulnerable residents.

“Our Transportation Program is about much more than getting someone from one place to another,” said Rabbi Moshe Wiener, Executive Director of JCCGCI. “Every ride represents access—to healthcare, food, social connection, independence, and dignity. As the needs of our aging population continue to grow, we remain committed to ensuring that older adults can remain active, engaged, and connected to their communities.”

The program serves Brooklyn residents age 60 and older regardless of race, religion, or background, including many Holocaust survivors. It has also expanded services for individuals under 60 with qualifying disabilities through select funding streams. Beyond medical transportation, JCCGCI coordinates transportation for older adult centers, educational programs, shopping trips, cultural events, benefits appointments, and group outings, helping thousands maintain their quality of life and independence.

One of the program’s greatest strengths is its personalized approach. Through a multilingual call center, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, partnerships with local transportation providers, and a dedicated team that develops meaningful relationships with clients, JCCGCI is able to identify and address needs that often extend far beyond transportation. Staff regularly connect older adults to additional supports and services, helping combat isolation and improve overall well-being.

The report also highlights the impact of JCCGCI’s Southern Brooklyn Community Shuttle Bus, which has provided free transportation between Sea Gate, Brighton Beach, and Borough Park since 2011. The shuttle serves residents of all ages and provides a critical transportation link in an area where public transportation options are limited.

The voices of program participants tell the story best. Clients consistently describe the service as reliable, compassionate, and life-changing. For many, access to transportation means the ability to attend medical appointments, visit friends and family, participate in community life, and maintain their independence. One participant shared, “Without JCCGCI I cannot help myself; I cannot go. I’m helpless. If not for them, we couldn’t exist.” Another noted, “I’m able to socialize with friends that I couldn’t otherwise do.”

JCCGCI extends its sincere gratitude to the many public and private partners whose support makes this work possible, including the New York State Department of Transportation, the New York State Office for the Aging, the New York City Council, the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, the New York City Department for the Aging, the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, and numerous private foundations and donors. Their commitment ensures that thousands of older adults can continue to access critical services safely, reliably, and free of charge.

To explore the program’s impact in greater detail, including client stories, service statistics, program growth, and community partnerships, click here to view the full 2025 Older Adult Transportation Program Impact Report.

As demand for transportation services continues to rise, JCCGCI remains dedicated to expanding access, strengthening community connections, and ensuring that older adults throughout New York City can age with dignity, independence, and support.

👉 Want to get involved with JCCGCI? Visit https://www.jccgci.org/programs/partner-with-us/