Mission: We believe that transportation is a link to independence, quality of life and social interaction. We provide dignified community-based and community-supported transportation for seniors and the visually impaired, 24 hours a day, year round.
Background: Early in 2006, the state Department of Social Services and the Senior Center in Enfield both worked on strategic plans. Their No. 1 concern was to improve access to affordable transportation for seniors and disabled individuals. Seed money came from the state Department of Social Services and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. An affiliate agreement was signed with ITNAmerica in September 2007.
Today, ITNNorthCentralConnecticut provides dignified transportation to seniors and the visually impaired in Bloomfield, East Granby, East Windsor, Enfield, Granby, Somers, South Windsor, Suffield, Windsor and Windsor Locks. This alternative transportation program uses a combination of volunteer and paid drivers who provide rides in private vehicles. There is no restriction on the purpose of a ride and help is offered to carry packages, fold walkers, and open doors. More than 250,000 rides have been given country-side by affiliates of ITNAmerica. More than 2,500 have been given in Connecticut during 2009. Funding is provided from fares, private foundations and charitable giving.
Major Fundraiser: Walk for Rides, first Sunday in May
Volunteer Needs: Volunteer drivers are needed for short rides once per week for two or three hours. To volunteer, contact Margaret Smith Hale at (860) 758-7833 or e-mail info@itnnorthcentralct.org.
Leadership:
Executive Director is Margaret Smith Hale;
Executive Board members are:
Robert LeMay, Alice Egan,
Pamela Brown, Alan Baer.
Contact Information:
ITNNorthCentralConnecticut
P.O. Box 448, 99 Main St.
East Windsor, CT 06088
(860) 758-7833
www.itnnorthcentralct.org
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Margaret Smith Hale is executive director of ITNNorthCentralConnecticut.
