Vital Partnership Between Airport and Nonprofit Assists the Traveling Public
Upward Transitions celebrates the return of the Travelers Aid information booth volunteers at Will Rogers World Airport on April 1, 2021. In an abundance of concern for the safety of volunteers and staff, Upward Transitions canceled all volunteer shifts at the airport information booths on March 13, 2020.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Travelers Aid Program and enable us to serve thousands of visitors at Will Rogers World Airport. Our volunteers are often the first friendly interaction for visitors to Oklahoma City,” says Crystal Levine, Volunteer Coordinator.
Safety measures such as barriers at each information booth, heightened cleaning procedures, maintaining distance, and handwashing is in place to ensure the health and well-being of our staff, volunteers, and clients.
The Travelers Aid Airport Program at Will Rogers World Airport has been operated by Upward Transitions with an all-volunteer staff since 1973. Travelers Aid has been funded by the Oklahoma City Airport Trust since 1986. Upward Transitions’ volunteers staff 2 information booths, one on the ticket counter level and one on the baggage claim level. Volunteers assist the traveling public at Will Rogers World Airport by providing information about airport services and the Oklahoma City Metropolitan area. Every volunteer is trained to assist military personnel, travelers, visitors, and international students, with emergency assistance, information, and referrals at the airport. The Travelers Aid information booths at Will Rogers World Airport are staffed by a 60-person volunteer workforce primarily made up of retired seniors.
“Travelers Aid volunteers have been the ambassadors for Will Rogers World Airport for many decades. We deeply appreciate their dedication and tireless efforts to assist the public and our passengers,” said Airports Director Mark Kranenburg.
Upward Transitions is a private non-profit agency founded in 1925. Upward Transitions serves those who are homeless or on the verge of becoming homeless by providing case management and stabilizing resources to meet basic social needs. The goal is to assist individuals and families to reach their highest potential. Upward Transitions equips families and individuals with the ability to become self-sufficient and contribute back to their community. Upward Transitions is dedicated to community development and advocacy for those who are homeless or poor.
If you would like to find out more about volunteering with Upward Transitions, contact Crystal Levine clevine@upwardtransitions.org.