By Sarah Opdahl

As many residents are aware, New Fairfield thrives in part due to a massive network of volunteers. If anyone would like to offer time, wonderful opportunities abound, including serving as a part of the FISH program (Friends in Service Here) for which volunteers provide free, non-emergency rides for residents who cannot drive themselves. In addition, there are opportunities for volunteers to schedule rides as well.

FISH began four years ago with a plan to offer rides to medical appointments within a 16-mile radius of the Senior Center, and the need has increasingly grown over the years. Founder Reggie Lambrech noted, “We first began to drive in March 2022 and, in the ten months we drove that year, we provided 105 rides.  In 2023, we provided 202 rides. In 2024 we provided 306 rides, in 2025 we provided 413 rides, and this year as of July,  we provided 265 rides and have already driven more miles than in all of last year.” A great help to many in need, the non-profit also offers rides to the New Fairfield Food Bank, the Senior Center, the Library, the Post Office, grocery stores, and more.

Given that the requests for rides are increasing, FISH could use help. Lambrech shared, “we are looking for volunteer drivers and schedulers (who can volunteer from home).  Volunteers can choose to take a ride when it fits into their schedule.  Most rides are for thirty- to sixty-minute appointments.  Occasionally, a request will be for a two-hour appointment. Chemo treatments can last up to five hours and, in those cases, we schedule one driver to take the person to Praxair and another driver to take the person home. Rides occur Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and are weather permitting.

In a world where society is more silo’d than ever, FISH is happy to be the opposite. Volunteers “pride ourselves on our outreach and the connections we make with those we drive.  Our decision making is collegial and we gather drivers, schedulers, and Board members for a Thank You dinner every year in November. We are one big team made up of wonderful people who enjoy serving others and, in doing so, enjoy a sense of fulfillment,” Lambrech said.

There are rider testimonials of appreciation galore on the FISH website, FishofNF.org, and a glimpse of the rewards from the driver’s side is dear. For example, Lambrech explained, “Marie began driving M. to her cancer treatments at Praxair.  The two of them really hit it off and thereafter, Marie would take M. whenever she needed a ride to her chemo sessions.  Over the course of time they began going to lunch together when M. felt up to it and now that M. is doing better, the two women have lunch once a month.” Rich says, “I joined FISH in April 2025. As a driver and backup dispatcher it gives me immense satisfaction to help those who need our services. Talking with clients is my favorite part of the day. Their stories, their appreciation, and their love of life despite medical issues are so inspiring. In retirement I have found FISH to fill my time with joy and gratitude.” Also Aimee commented, “When I tell people about driving for FiSH, they praise me for helping others. But I quickly tell them how much more I take from the conversations I have with the lovely people I drive. Many are ill, and some are dealing with huge changes in normal life. They are grateful, worried, not quite sure what the future holds. I am so privileged to be able to give them my listening ear and even share a laugh.” While Frank wrote, “It’s very special how the smallest act of kindness can mean everything to the right person. The appreciation from our clients far exceeds any effort or cost. Their relief and thankfulness at having neighbors treat them with this act of kindness gives us both a joy that is one of the deepest experiences and feelings a human being can receive. Ultimately, it’s an expression of life’s true purpose.”

Lambrech is proud of all they have accomplished over the past few years, saying that FISH cherishes the “very touching thank you letters we receive often that tell us that riders don’t know what they would do without us, that we help them be able to stay in their homes and their community and that our drivers are “angels”.  It has meant all the world to me to see the difference we can make in people’s lives.”

If you are interested in volunteering for FISH, reach out to fishofnf@gmail.com or call 203-312-5627.