Deaconess Associations Foundation Awards $65,000 to ITNGC

Deaconess Associations Foundation has donated $65,000 to the Independent Transportation Network of Greater Cincinnati, which is based in Springdale.

The funds will be used for ITNGC operations in providing transportation for senior citizens over the age of 60 and visually-impaired adults.

“Reliable transportation is considered one of the most problematic issues for seniors and the sight-impaired who are striving to remain independent,” said Tony Woods, chairman of Deaconess Associations Inc. “Deaconess is pleased to continue providing financial support to ITN GreaterCincinnati to help this organization maintain such a valuable service in our community.”

ITNGC has 429 members and has provided 21,563 rides within the I-275 beltway in Cincinnati and northern Kentucky. Sixty-six volunteers drive their own cars and transport members wherever they wish to go – shopping, theater, salon and medical appointments, as well as to volunteer activities.

The non-profit service operates 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

“Many seniors and visually-impaired adults do not have the mobility to use public transportation,” said Nancy Schuster, ITNGC director. “We are extremely grateful to Deaconess for recognizing the need for a service like this in the community. Deaconess has supported us for the first three years we’ve been in business and without their continued support, we could not have achieved the success that we have.”

Membership is $75 per year, plus a pickup and small mileage fee. The average ride costs $8 to $12, which is less than a taxi fare.

Many of ITNGC members are former drivers who have hung up their car keys because of age, vision or medical issues. “The transition from the driver's seat to the passenger seat is never easy – for the drivers or for their families,” said Schuster. “But it is infinitely easier when there is a viable transportation alternative that keeps the older adult in control. Our volunteer drivers enjoy helping others and members appreciate the friendliness of their drivers and the opportunity to build friendships with them over time.”

ITNGC offices are located at 200 Northland Blvd. in Springdale. Contact ITNGC at www.itngreatercincinnati.orgor 513-559-2200 for more information about membership and volunteer driving opportunities.

DAF supports a variety of additional health care initiatives in greater Cincinnati. They include: Health Care Access Now (HCAN); Deaconess Health Check; Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati; Deaconess Foundation Scholarships; Talbert House; and Heimlich Heroes.

For more information about DAI health care programs, products and services for senior citizens, go to http://www.deaconessassociations.com or call 513-559-2856.