CHMRC Community Network
Featured Voice: K.C. Kanaan, CEO & Co-Founder, Envoy America
“The service we offer replicates what a son or daughter would do to help their parent live life – on their terms.”
When K.C. Kanaan speaks about transportation, he doesn’t talk in terms of miles or minutes. He talks about dignity, safety, and family. And for good reason – his journey into senior-focused mobility began with his own.
“We watched them give up on just having a normal life,” he says. “That’s when we knew this issue was bigger, and we could do something about it.”
Kanaan’s parents, both aging and managing health challenges, began to struggle with the day-to-day demands of getting to the doctor, church, or grocery store. Like many older adults, they cycled through a patchwork of solutions: leaning on a daughter nearby (who also had two kids and a full-time job), trying volunteers, missing appointments altogether. “It was heartbreaking,” he said. “They started giving up on just having a normal life.”
That experience – shared by millions of families – sparked the idea for Envoy America, a transportation company with a very different business model. It’s not ride-hailing. It’s not just for convenience. It’s a service designed for aging adults and patients who need more than a ride – and delivered with the care of a trusted family member.
A Concierge Approach to Aging-in-Place
“Uber is great for going to lunch. But if you’re recovering from surgery or using a walker? That’s a whole different story.”
What sets Envoy apart is its driver companions, trained professionals who walk riders to their door, assist with mobility devices, wait during appointments, and help manage complex schedules with a level of care not found in traditional transportation options. The drivers are thoroughly vetted, compassion-trained drivers, supported by advanced technology, deliver 99% on-time performance and a 90+ Net Promoter Score, ensuring consistently exceptional service.
The service is personalized, but scalable. Envoy operates in 30+ states, serving health systems, senior living communities, and faith-based organizations. And unlike most mobility solutions, they think about everything: from the right pickup time based on traffic and parking, to what happens if a medical appointment runs longer than expected.
“We use tech to make things seamless—but the real value is the human connection.”
Redefining Longevity Through Mobility
In the aging and longevity space, transportation is often discussed as a structural barrier—but it’s also a psychological one. A missed ride can mean isolation. A canceled appointment can snowball into avoidable illness. Not having reliable transportation erodes independence—and confidence.
“We don’t just give rides. We help people feel like they’re still in control of their lives.”
Kanaan’s words echo something we hear often at TBN: aging well means more than access to care, it means access to life.
Envoy also helps senior living communities rethink their transportation strategies. Instead of investing $100K into vans used twice a week, communities can outsource entirely to Envoy, freeing up staff and reducing liability. “Our tech tracks everything: speeding, phone use, wheelchair safety—it protects the community, the resident, and us.”
And perhaps most importantly, the company is trusted. They’ve grown nationally without a single salesperson – just word of mouth. “When Mayo Clinic saw our drivers supporting patients through radiation, they assumed it was family. That tells you everything.”
What’s Next?
As more adults choose to age solo or remain at home, the demand for thoughtful, high-touch transportation is growing. Kanaan says Envoy is already planning for what’s next, leveraging AI and smart routing to personalize service even further, while never compromising on empathy.
“We’re constantly asking, how do we exceed expectations? Not just get you there, but anticipate what you need before you even ask.”
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How It Connects to Our Mission
Transportation isn’t just a service, it’s a social determinant of health, a key to independence, and a pathway to care. That’s why we’re spotlighting models like Envoy America. By surfacing real-world solutions that prioritize dignity, safety, and connection, we aim to empower communities, elevate aging, and reimagine access, together.
Let’s work together to strengthen what matters most: your community. Reach out to us here anytime. We’d love to meet you.
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