NPORTC Magazine

Anthony Udeh, Director of Transportation

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get into a field that I love and can grow.” As a driver, he enjoys chatting with the clients if they feel like talking. “The impression we create the first time gives the customer a sense of security, and when you see me every day coming to pick you up,

them up every day, Monday to Friday.” He says that though the clients only stay temporarily, he and his staff are there to offer a family during their stay. “I have other drivers who work for me, and I’ll assign one driver to be picking up a certain number of clients every day, to create a safe environment… the same driver that picked you up yesterday is coming to pick you up today and is going to be coming tomorrow. He already knows you, your routine, and you already know him, so that’s what we give to our clients—consistency.” The house manager is his primary contact to ensure everything runs smoothly. He calls before the ride arrives, and clients are picked up in a van So how does he juggle his own business and volunteer at New Place of Recovery? “I love helping people, at the same time having fun, at the same time making money, so it’s a win-win situation.” at one of the two residential houses.

after a while, you know you don't have to be afraid of anything.” And he gets to see—

and hear about—their recovery. “When they get in the vehicle, it's probably about 10 to 15 minutes before we get to where we're going, so most of the time, we get to know how they are progressing.” He even notices a change as they rise through the program—how their conversations become more engaging. He adds that, of course, for those who prefer not to chat, he honors that too. “They are all really nice people.” Anthony believes in the importance of consistency and a familiar face. “We pick

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