The Chester County Department of Adult Probation, Parole & Pretrial Services is partnering with the non-profit Danny’s Ride in a pilot program that will provide transportation services for justice involved individuals who must attend problem-solving court appointments. Danny’s Ride, as the program is called, overcomes the transportation challenge faced by those who must attend Chester County Drug Court, Recovery Court, Mental Health Court, or Veterans Court. One of the most significant issues for justice-involved individuals – especially in Chester County – is transportation to court-mandated appointments that are essential to recovery.
Commenting on the benefits of the program, Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline said, “The partnership with Danny’s Ride helps to prevent transportation from impeding someone’s road to recovery. Too often, the lack of public transportation in Chester County and the cost of gas become reasons people cannot complete the necessary steps to fulfill their legal obligations.
“Thanks to this pilot program we hope to see even more success stories coming out of our highly effective Problem-Solving Courts.”
Chief of Chester County Probation, Parole & Pretrial Services Chris Pawlowski said, “Our Problem-Solving Courts hold individuals accountable in the justice system while assisting them through their recoveries. People are more likely to fail without reliable transportation to meet with their probation officer, the court, or drug or alcohol treatment appointments. This program with Danny’s Ride is lifesaving.”
Danny’s Ride was started in 2020 by Nancy Knoebel to honor her son Danny Teichman who died in 2016 after taking kratom to manage withdrawal symptoms. The non-profit was founded as a form of non-emergency medical transportation that will serve as the infrastructure for ride scheduling through Uber Health and Lyft Concierge.
Danny’s Ride was awarded a $100,000 grant by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to support this pilot program in Chester County. The program is set to begin July 1.