Friends In Service Helping
To contact FISH call 211 or 1-877-211-8667
Volunteer Carolyn Boronkay (L) assists Pam Haynes as she arrives at Cayuga Medical Center for her regular dialysis treatment.
Photo by Marty Luster.
FISH, an acronym for Friends in Service Helping,
is a non-profit organization in Tompkins County, New York. FISH volunteers provide free rides to county residents in need of medical and health related services that are within the county or nearby. FISH has been in operation since 1966 having been started by members of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Ithaca. FISH is a non-sectarian, non-discriminatory, 501c3 agency that is governed by a six-member Board of Directors. Funding is provided by the county’s Special Community Mobility Funds, and by donations and charitable awards.
A happy FISH client! Calls our drivers her “FISH Angels”!
Nelda Silva
How does FISH work?
When a client needs a ride, they contact 211 help line or 1-877-211-8667 and provide the necessary information. OR you can request a ride. A 211 representative then contacts the volunteer driver who is on the calendar for that specific day. The driver then contacts the client, exchanges information, and makes arrangements.
FISH is ALWAYS in need of more volunteer drivers!
Over the years, FISH drivers have driven thousands of miles and served hundreds of clients. There is a growing demand for our services due to the expanding number of services provided in the county, the aging of our population, and the economic issues of many residents.
Find out more information about volunteering using the button below.