Jacques Randolet is the Midland County Senior Services Volunteer of the Month for October for his work as a transportation driver.
Jacques has been driving for us since 2009 and is known as the “French Guy” or “French Dude,” depending on who you talk to.
Jacques met his wife in France and they came to Midland in 1990. Jacques is quite the storyteller, and his accent makes listening to him even more interesting. He started driving for Senior Services after he was asked to by former Transportation Manager Keith Everett.
Jacques recalls that he was visiting a former transportation driver volunteer who had become ill. They attended the same church. Keith stopped by as well and the rest is history.
Jacques wanted to know how many miles he had driven in the past 13 years. Unfortunately, we don’t keep track of miles; however, we do track hours. He has volunteered over 1,647 hours!
Jacques says, “I like contact with people. You can learn a lot from a person even in just a 10-20-minute car ride.”
Trish Brown, current Senior Services transportation manager, can’t say enough good things about Jacques. “He volunteers without hesitation. He is always willing to accommodate the client’s needs.”
Clients have commented to Trish that Jacques is always so kind and caring. He is a great conversationalist about all subjects. He mentioned that he takes different routes so clients can have a change of scenery. Trish confirmed, “Changing routes as Jacques does for different scenery is so caring and considerate to our clients.”
Our trained volunteer drivers provide friendly “arm to lean on” service throughout Midland County. Whether it’s a trip to the doctor’s office or a ride to the grocery store, we’ll get you to those places and more. Drivers use agency vehicles and must have a good driving record plus a kind and courteous attitude toward our clients.
Our biggest need is for drivers who can handle wheelchairs in accessible vans. If you are in need of any of the programs and services that Senior Services offers, call 989-633-3700. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, call Allison at 989-633-3741.
Jacques said he “loves people and likes to be funny.” In his spare time he enjoys cooking and cleaning. He claims he was a “Mr. Mom.” He ran a daycare in Madison, Wisconsin, prior to moving to Midland.
Jacques has worked for Northwood University and the City of Midland. He has three daughters and one grandchild, plus a Husky-Lab mix named Phoebe. He also volunteers at his church, St. John’s Episcopal, and the S.A.M.S. Food Pantry.
Trish Brown says, “Jacques always has a smile on his face.”
Thank you, Jacques, for putting a smile on so many clients’ faces over the years. Your joviality is contagious.
