More than 35 years ago, in 1981, Jeanne La Rouche noticed a problem in her community.

She had many senior neighbors who wanted to remain in their homes, but did not have adequate transportation to meet their daily needs. Never one to shy away from a problem, she started giving them rides, to the grocery store, to a doctor’s appointment, to wherever they wanted to go.

Soon, though, La Rouche realized that her neighbors needed more help than even she could provide. As a result, she created Surrey Services for Seniors – named after the popular surrey carriages from the late 1800s – with the admirable goal of getting the community involved in helping seniors stay active and in their own homes.

Whereas Surrey Services may have started as a few volunteers meeting in a small office in La Rouche’s attic, it has since grown into a powerful force for good in the community. Surrey now manages senior centers in Devon, Broomall, Havertown, and Media. It also runs a consignment shop in Berwyn.

Surrey’s original transportation mission remains unchanged. It offers shared rides, volunteer driver escort, and private driver services. These different options allow seniors with varying needs to get out, whether they simply need to pick up a few groceries, a ride to a medical appointment, or a friendly visit.

Surrey’s four centers are gathering places that help keep seniors engaged and active.

“We are a big proponent of lifelong learning,” said Christi Seidel, Surrey’s Senior Director of Social Impact. “Our centers present classes on art and technology, and our foreign languages discussion groups are very popular. We have chorus and drama programs. We offer a wide variety of fitness classes, including pilates, and our Devon location has a fitness center.”

Guest speakers frequently give lectures at Surrey’s centers. Around the release of the movie Foxcatcher, Surrey had the prosecutors from the case, Dennis McAndrews and Joe McGettigan, give a presentation on the real story behind the movie.

Surrey’s third area of focus is in-home services. Home-care companions help seniors live independently by going to their homes and helping with anything they need: meal prep, dressing, bathing, minor repairs, and more. Surrey’s care management service helps seniors prepare an entire care plan to help them navigate the medical system, manage their finances, and choose the right place to live.

Surrey’s in-home services include emergency assistance for folks without children or able spouses in the area. If there is an emergency, a senior can call his or her care manager, who will go to the hospital, act as an advocate, or care for an infirmed spouse.

To help manage such a substantial program, Surrey needs help both financially and with manpower. Surrey currently has more than 1,000 volunteers, and is always looking for more, especially volunteer drivers.

“Our volunteers are one of the cornerstones of our success,” said Seidel. “They provide vital assistance, including administrative support, preparing and delivering meals, grocery shopping, and driving.”

Many of Surrey’s programs are free or subsidized, which makes individual donations and fundraisers critical. Surrey hosts two major fundraisers every year. Its Spring Gala will be held at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square on Saturday, April 29. In the fall, Surrey sponsors The Main Line Antiques Show, held at Cabrini University in Radnor. Both events raise substantial funds to help Surrey maintain and expand its services.

“I can’t tell you how many times we hear people tell us that ‘Surrey is our family,’” said Seidel. “Surrey is truly a resource for older adults and their families.”

Click here for information about volunteering or donating to Surrey Services for Seniors.