TULSA, Okla. — Thousands of youth across Green Country are working to better themselves everyday, making changes in their life for a more successful future.
However, one of the difficulties they face is transportation to get to their doctors appointments, counseling and job training.
Modus, a non-profit organization in Tulsa, is trying to help.
But more volunteers are needed to make sure no one misses an important opportunity.
“I don’t want to be found dead in front of the TV with a game show or soap opera on,” said Catherine Tatum, a Modus volunteer.
Tatum has volunteered with Modus for the past few years, driving local youth to and from their destination.
“I’ve driven them from city hall when they were in special programs, back to the high school. I’ve driven pregnant couples to their doctor’s appointments,” Tatum said.
“We’re providing about 300 rides a month, but we are seeing that skyrocket," said Leslie Neal, Executive Director of Modus. "We’re going to be providing probably 500 rides probably by the middle of the year.”
Modus teams up with other organizations and agencies, like Youth Services of Tulsa, to help their clients get where they need to go.
Transportation is a barrier that YST Community Relations Coordinator Brian Young sees his clients struggle with every day but said Modus has been a game changer.
“We have a lot of great services and programs for teens and young adults but those programs and services don’t do any good if young people can’t get here.”
Raven Goudeau is one of them taking advantage of the free services.
“I’m working on getting my license and everything but I don’t have that now so I would probably end up walking," said Goudeau. “I’ve been in therapy since I was 7 years old. I didn’t come from the best background, but by the grace of God I feel like I’ve been healed.”
Goudeau has been riding with Tatum for the past few months, but those few extra minutes together mean so much more.
“We get to talk to one another about what’s going on in our lives," Goudeau said. "We’ve prayed for one another.”
“I want to be doing what I can do while I can do it," Tatum said.
The schedule to volunteer is flexible and one ride could only take about 15 minutes.
Volunteers can pick a time between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Click here to volunteer for Modus.
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