There’s something quietly powerful about the role a Vivalon driver plays in someone’s day. It’s not just about getting from one place to another; it’s about being expected, recognized, and welcomed. At Vivalon, our transportation services are built on that idea, and the people behind the wheel bring it to life every day.
Dee describes it as unlike any job she’s had before. After years in driving roles, she found something different at Vivalon. Not just a workplace, but a culture that feels “friendly, very warming, and family-oriented.” That sense of belonging shows up in the smallest moments. The way riders greet her by name each morning. The familiarity of seeing the same clients day after day. The rhythm of a route that starts with picking people up from home, bringing them to programs, and later helping others get to essential medical appointments.
In between those moments is a level of care that often goes unseen: assisting someone onto a lift, securing a wheelchair safely, making sure every seatbelt is fastened. It is technical, attentive work, supported by training in CPR, first aid, and accessibility equipment. But what stays with Dee is something simpler. “They really appreciate you,” she says. “It makes you want to come to work.”
Sara’s path into driving began with curiosity and a sense of possibility. She started as an attendant, watching the drivers and thinking, “I can do it. Why not?” That small moment turned into a career step forward, supported by a team that trusted her and gave her the opportunity to grow.
Now behind the wheel, she sees her role as more than just driving. It is about representing something bigger. “You represent Vivalon,” she explains. “So you have to be a good driver. Be aware. Be polite. Bring kindness.” For Sara, the reward is immediate and genuine. When riders tell her they love seeing her, and when they ask for her by name, it affirms that the way she shows up matters.
She brings her full self to the job each day. “I like to bring happiness and joy to people,” she says. “We support each other here. That makes me feel good.” It’s clear that for Sara, this is work that gives back.
Antonio’s story begins with something simple: a sign. He saw a Vivalon “Now Hiring” banner, walked in, applied, and kept following up until he got the job. “It was an easy process,” he says. What he found on the other side was a steady rhythm and a sense of camaraderie. Drivers start and end their days together, often sharing coffee and stories before heading out again.
On the road, his experience reflects the diversity of the community he serves. Some of his riders are Spanish-speaking, and in those brief moments at pickup or drop-off, he’s able to connect with both clients and their families in their own language. That familiarity builds trust quickly. “They can rely on me,” he says.
Sometimes connection is even simpler: sharing music, a nod, eye contact. Antonio describes these moments as quiet acknowledgments that he’s been welcomed into someone’s space. For riders who cannot use public transportation, that trust matters.
Antonio sees his role as setting the tone. “I feel like it’s me putting out that energy,” he says. “A calm environment on the bus.” He also explains that the work is both flexible and steady, supported by strong communication, time off, and a growing organization expanding its reach across the Bay Area. At its core, what matters most to Antonio is the impact. “I feel like I’m giving back to my community.”
Burr’s story begins in a different place entirely. After 35 years in the telephone equipment industry, he found himself at a crossroads when the industry shifted overseas. A sign advertising drivers, training, and benefits caught his attention. It was a practical decision at first, but it quickly became something more meaningful.
Now, as a non-emergency medical transport driver, he spends his days helping clients get to critical treatments, often dialysis. The responsibility is not lost on him. “I take it very seriously that I get them there on time and get them back home,” he says. What might seem like a routine service carries real weight. It supports health, stability, and peace of mind.
Burr describes the work with a sense of pride. “This job has heart in it,” he says. There is independence in the role, too. He likens it to being “captain of my own ship,” navigating routes, welcoming passengers aboard, and ensuring each stop is reached safely and on time. At the end of the day, there is a clear feeling of accomplishment.
Across all four stories, there is a pattern. This is work grounded in reliability, safety, and skill, but at its core, it is built on connection. Drivers are not just operators of a vehicle; they are familiar faces, steady presences, and often the highlight of someone’s day.
They are part of a system that keeps people connected to healthcare, to community programs, and to one another. In doing so, they experience something many struggle to find: a clear sense that what they do matters.
If you are looking for work that combines purpose with people, structure with independence, and skill with heart, there is a place for you here.
We are looking for drivers! Join the Vivalon transportation team and be part of something that moves more than just miles. Learn more here.
