It’s a simple question and a simple answer.

“What would you do if your neighbor or best friend said ‘I’ve got to go to my doctor’s appointment or a job interview or to the drugstore’,?” Redstone Credit Federal Union President and CEO Joe Newberry asked.

“You’ll say ‘I’ll give you a ride or find a way for you to get there.’ That’s what Ride United is about.”

Newberry’s remarks came Wednesday at a Ride United event hosted by the United Way of Madison County at Redstone Federal’s downtown headquarters. The credit union is one of the sponsors for the program.

“We’ve given $100,000 to Ride United and we’re committed to giving $10,000 a year,” he said. “How can we help people … that’s why God put us on this Earth.

“I encourage other companies to join us.”

The program is about generosity and community involvement; there are more than 90 Ride United programs across the country.

“This program could not exist without our sponsors,” said Cathy Miller, the agency’s community impact director. “This isn’t a ‘give anybody a ride who wants one.’ The United Way is about accountability.

“It’s an earn as you go program.”

Ride United helps clients overcome transportation barriers that hinder access to health, financial stability and education. By addressing the challenges caused by poverty, systemic racism and other inequities, the agency helps people secure employment and access medical care.

“The big issue is public transit,” Miller said. “We want to fill the gap … we love being part of the solution.”

Ride United has provided more than 41,000 rides since it started in 2020, including 308,000 miles of rides in Madison County for more than 7,400 people.

With some 85% of the rides being workforce-related, Miller said they are “looking for people who are ready to take a step” toward transportation independence.

Joseph Galloway was a client who found his transportation independence.

“In 2021, I was going to Calhoun to get certifications,” he said. Galloway had transit issues living with his single mom and four siblings and one car.

“Ride United helped me guide my way to education … and six certifications,” Galloway said. “I worked at Mazda-Toyota and got my own car.”

Daniel Kasambira, the agency’s president and CEO, cited the generosity of people and partners in the success of the program and its clients.

“We take to heart every day to be changing people’s lives,” he said. “Dolly Parton is an example. There are people birth to 5 (years old) who have never met Dolly Parton, but through her Imagination Library, there will be doctors, teachers, engineers.

“Because of Ride United, there will be success stories.”

Ride United helps by providing employment access. By closing transportation gaps, the program helps people participate in short-term certification programs in the community or at community colleges, job fairs and employment screenings, as well as to secure and maintain jobs.

With access to health care, people can go to medical appointments and the drug store.

At least 75-80% of the program’s clients eventually get their own transportation, Miller said. And with that they can lead meaningful and fulfilling lives.

“We are dedicated to the economic growth of the community because that means personal growth and stability,” she said.