Driving Change: How Holly Bovencamp Helped Seniors in Flagstaff County Access Care: Community Stories

In Flagstaff County, many low-income seniors were quietly struggling with a serious problem: they couldn’t afford to get to medical appointments. With no public transit available and a local medical taxi costing $200 per trip, many simply went without care. Volunteers began noticing this pattern and raising the alarm. That’s when Holly Bovencamp, serving as a Community Animator, stepped in to help design a solution.

With support from a Rural Mental Health grant, Holly and her team created a volunteer driver program that reimburses mileage and provides modest honorariums to volunteers. What began as a small effort quickly grew. Within a year, the program expanded from 50 to 150 clients, with volunteers driving hundreds of hours and covering long distances—sometimes 2.5 hours each way—to ensure seniors could see doctors, attend specialist appointments, and stay connected to care.

The impact has been profound. Seniors who once turned down vital referrals out of fear and financial strain are now able to say “yes.” One woman, who had not left her apartment in three years, finally attended an appointment thanks to the support of a volunteer driver. Families, too, feel relief knowing their loved ones are not facing these challenges alone—especially those who live out of province and cannot always be present.

The program has also strengthened community ties. Seniors share information about the service with each other at senior centers, potlucks, and community events, leading to grassroots awareness and more referrals. Volunteers, many of them seniors themselves, have formed close bonds with clients during long drives. Along the way, they’ve learned new skills—everything from supporting people with dementia to using mobility aids.

The project has faced challenges, such as setting policies around overnight stays or anesthesia procedures, and delays in receiving grant funding. But it has also opened doors for new opportunities. Ideas like a “Mermaid Program” to support seniors with osteoporosis through pool therapy, and intergenerational projects like the “Granny Squad,” have emerged from the momentum this initiative created.

At its heart, Holly believes the program is about more than transportation. It’s about restoring dignity, reducing anxiety, and ensuring seniors feel supported by their community. The gratitude expressed—from smiles to tears—has reinforced just how vital this work is.

Reflecting on the project, Holly shared that what she is most proud of is the difference it has made in seniors’ lives. In just three months alone, volunteers provided 736 hours of driving, 308 transports, and 143 referrals to other community services. These numbers only hint at the deeper impact: renewed health, stronger community connections, and a sense of relief for families and caregivers.

Thanks to Holly’s leadership and the dedication of volunteers, a once-overwhelming barrier for many seniors in Flagstaff County has become a pathway to care and connection—ensuring no one is left behind simply because they cannot afford the journey.