Drivers keep elderly mobile

Published 3:20 pm Wednesday, November 7, 2007

LYNNWOOD — Kristin Culleney retired early. She fixed up her house. She visited relatives.

And then she realized she still had too much time on her hands.

Culleney, 63, of Martha Lake, has been a volunteer driver for Catholic Community Services since 1998.

In her silver Ford Focus, Culleney traverses Snohomish County three or four days a week, often driving 1,000 miles a month as she ferries clients to medical appointments and on other important errands.

For her work, Culleney receives mileage reimbursement and the satisfaction of helping others.

“Everybody needs to help one another,” Culleney said. “It’s hard to see the isolation of some of my clients. I know their families are busy, but for some people there is so little interaction.”

Catholic Community Services maintains a list of 800 elderly, low-income or disabled clients who cannot drive themselves. Some need help occasionally and others need rides on a regular basis, said Nicole Mack, coordinator of volunteer drivers.

“That’s a lot of people when you consider we have only 17 drivers right now,” Mack said.

Many of the agency’s volunteers are retirees or college students who drive as little as they like or as much as they are able, she said.

The nonprofit social service agency currently is looking for new drivers to help with the overwhelming schedule.

In the meantime, Mack said, she is happy to have drivers such as Culleney.

“Kris is impressive,” Mack said. “She’s always willing to help, she cares about the people she drives, she enjoys it and she knows how valuable it is.”

Giving to others is standard for Culleney, who grew up on Long Island, N.Y., the oldest daughter of a professional fundraiser and a Scout leader.

Culleney graduated in 1969 with degrees in psychology and sociology from Arizona State University and then was a social worker on the East Coast and in California for many years.

Single and with no children, Culleney began a second career selling insurance after she followed her brother to Washington state in 1985.

When she retired, a friend pointed her to Catholic Community Services and the volunteer driving program.

“I use my car and give my time, but there’s enjoyment in knowing you’re assisting to meet someone’s needs,” Culleney said. “I am important to some people.”

One of those people is Edith Hess, 90, of Mountlake Terrace. Culleney and Hess met in 1999 and forged a friendship while Hess was fighting cancer and needed frequent rides to Seattle for treatment.

Culleney now calls Hess her “surrogate mother.”

They share summer birthdays, an interest in flowers and the enjoyment of eating lunch out together.

Hess calls Culleney an “A-1 driver.”

“When I call for a ride, I always ask for Kris,” Hess said. “My family is very busy with their jobs, so I don’t know what I would do without the help. This is a wonderful program.”

Culleney said she encourages others to volunteer with the transportation program at Catholic Community Services.

“I don’t see an end to my work as a volunteer driver. I’ll do it as long as my eyes and driving ability are in good shape,” Culleney said. “There are more important things than money. I sleep well at night.”

Reporter Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427 or gfiege@heraldnet.com.