About Us

About Travelers Aid

Our Mission

We connect people in need with transportation and travel support, helping them navigate San Diego safely and with dignity.

Travelers Aid Society of San Diego is a trusted community resource providing transportation assistance to older adults, individuals with disabilities, and survivors of domestic violence. We also guide and support visitors and displaced travelers as they navigate San Diego’s transportation systems, accommodations, and local services—ensuring everyone can find their way with dignity, safety, and care.

Our Vision

We envision a community where everyone, regardless of age, ability, or circumstance, can access safe, reliable transportation and feel supported wherever their journey takes them.

Our Staff and Board

Board of Directors

Sharon Bogdanski, Board Chair
Meagan Schmidt, VP Administration
Atticus Hickok, VP Fund Development
Jordan Williams, Past Chair
Jake Craigmile
Sarah Hickok

Alfonso Hernandez
Anna Howard
Michelle Ibarra
Kara Kohnen
Ky Reding
Sarah Scott

Our History

Travelers Aid Society has been serving the San Diego region since 1901, with robust programs that support travelers in need of assistance and support, and for our most vulnerable community members who need access to transportation. We are proud of our longevity, our ability to rise to meet the needs of specialized populations, and our role in the fabric of San Diego’s social service safety net. Please see our timeline below for an illustration of bookmarks in our history.

1851

The Travelers Aid movement began when philanthropist and former St. Louis mayor Bryan Mullanphy left a large bequest to help assist legitimate westbound travelers, especially women and children traveling alone.

1851

1901

Travelers Aid San Diego began operating out of the Santa Fe Depot with caseworkers assisting unaccompanied women and children arriving in the city under the auspices of the YWCA.

1901

1914

The Travelers Aid Society of San Diego was incorporated and formalized to address concerns about social issues expected to accompany a major international exposition in the city, with civic leaders such as Frederick Burnham, George Marston, and Ellen Browning Scripps serving on its board.

1914

1941

Travelers Aid partnered with the USO to support young servicemen arriving in San Diego and assist their wives and families, operating an information center and downtown lounge staffed by volunteers while continuing its affiliation with the YWCA.

1941

1960's

Travelers Aid operated a program that connected hitchhikers so they could travel together more safely and later established the Airport Ambassador program at Lindbergh Field to welcome and assist travelers arriving in San Diego.

1960's

1970's

A program was formed to assist individuals who had been incarcerated with transportation to obtain work and other necessities upon release.

1970's

1990's

A phone card program was established to provide services to runaway teens so they’d have a way to call home or call for additional support.

1990's

2001

The Mobile Moms program was created to provide transportation to medical appointments for low-income pregnant and post-natal women, as well as mothers needing to attend well-baby visits with their newborns.

2001

2003

Journey to Safety program was developed to assist women and their dependent children who were fleeing from domestic violence with transportation and wrap-around services.

2003

2008

SenioRide program was created to provide a menu of transportation options for low income older adults to get to medical appointments, social outings, and shopping destinations.

2008

2017

The RIDEFinder program was created as a mobility management initiative that provides travel training and transit planning to help seniors and individuals with disabilities effectively use available transportation options.

2017

2021

The Senior Solutions program was developed to provide one-on-one transportation for immunocompromised, low-income older adults so they can attend medical appointments and complete essential trips such as groceries, prescriptions, banking, and civic responsibilities.

2021