Date

5-2026

Document Type

Capstone Project (Open Access)

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Health, Human Services and Public Policy

Major

Collaborative Health and Human Services

First Advisor

Thomas Rogers

Abstract

Families in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties face transportation barriers that limit access to essential services and increase the risk of family instability and child welfare involvement. This capstone project was completed at Safe Families for Children Monterey Bay, a nonprofit organization that provides preventive, community-based support to families in crisis. The organization serves diverse, primarily low-income families, including many Hispanic/Latino households, across urban and rural communities. The project developed a Transportation Support Program using trained volunteers to provide reliable rides for families and interns to attend medical, legal, and social service appointments. The purpose was to improve access to services, reduce transportation-related stress, and strengthen family stability. Implementation included volunteer recruitment, safety protocols, and a scheduling system to coordinate rides. Results indicated limited engagement from outreach efforts, with no donations received, highlighting challenges in community response and the need for stronger outreach strategies. Next steps include expanding volunteer recruitment, strengthening community partnerships, increasing bilingual outreach, and securing sustainable funding to support long-term program growth and effectiveness.

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