Summer is always an exciting time for us at CTN. July 1 marks the start of a new fiscal year, giving us the opportunity to reflect on the successes of the past twelve months. Additionally, we conclude our annual rider survey, which provides valuable insights into how we impact our neighbors each day. Over the past year, we provided 20,593 rides to medical appointments for nearly 600 unique individuals. We also facilitated 1,546 trips to the grocery store and 4,285 rides to work for people with disabilities. While these numbers are impressive, it's important to remember that each individual trip makes a significant difference, especially for the person taking that ride.
Every spring, we survey a random selection of riders to gather feedback on our services and understand our impact. An overwhelming 95% of respondents reported feeling more connected to their community because of CTN. Additionally, 95% of riders who have used CTN for five years or more stated that they have remained healthier and better informed about their health due to our transportation services. We celebrate the significant impact of providing over 20,000 medical rides last year. However, our riders celebrate their individual trips and the access you help us provide. Your support funds nearly 60% of the cost of every ride. Thank you!! Justin |
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| Three days a week, Julian waits with anticipation for the arrival of a CTN van.
When it pulls up, he confidently walks out, boards, signs the iPad, and settles in for a comfortable ride to Maple Seed Farms, a functional skills program where he’s building life skills and connections. For Julian’s parents, Dave and Lynda, CTN has been a game-changer. |
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“One of us used to drive Julian to Maple Seed—a full hour round-trip—and then pick him up again in the afternoon,” Dave shares. “Now, between the two of us, we’ve gained two hours a day. It’s one less thing to worry about!” But the benefits go beyond time saved. “We’ve been intentional about growing Julian’s confidence and independence,” Lynda says. “He’s proud of himself that he can get around without Mom and Dad.”
Without CTN, those daily rides would mean less independence for Julian and more strain on his parents’ schedules. Instead, CTN provides a reliable, worry-free way for Julian to travel—and for his parents to have peace of mind. “It’s been just great; virtually no issues,” Dave says. “Good cadence, good communication.” Philanthropy covers 80% of the cost of Julian’s rides, making this life-changing independence possible.
“As parents of a special needs adult, we really appreciate services such as CTN that help our family greatly to get along in this world,” Dave and Lynda share. “Thanks so much to those who give generously to make all of this possible for us and for Julian.” |
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If you’ve ever ridden with Daniel Chiappazzi, you know you’re in good hands. As CTN’s longest-serving driver, Daniel has been part of our team for 16 years—and he’s still going strong! For Daniel, CTN’s mission is personal. “The CTN mission allows me to use my God-given gift of helping others to support our team in meeting the needs of clients, caretakers, medical offices, and service organizations,” he says.
Daniel draws inspiration from a motto he first encountered during his time in a Pennsylvania MASH unit: “Honor, Hope, Heal.” Honor – by providing the best transportation experience possible to clients and partner organizations. Hope – for improvement and resolution in each client’s situation.
Heal – by ensuring every ride is a positive, life-changing step in their journey. While his work is deeply meaningful, Daniel also appreciates the fun and camaraderie that come with being part of the CTN family. His favorite memories? The fellowship—and the food—at our holiday parties. “I love seconds!” he admits with a grin
When asked what he wishes more people knew about CTN’s work, Daniel is quick to credit the whole team. “It takes a dedicated group of drivers, schedulers, and managers to make sure our clients and their family’s needs are met. We do whatever it takes!” We’re grateful for Daniel’s years of service, his compassionate approach, and his commitment to making every trip a safe, positive experience. |
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Tickets are now available for Hop On Brew Tour, CTN's annual brewery crawl fundraiser Nov. 8!
Our CTN vehicles will drive you and your friends around as you:
-Hop on and off at local Fort Wayne breweries!
-Enjoy tastings from a variety of local breweries with exclusive pours!
-Hang out in great company in a laid-back vibe!
-Support a great cause: accessible transportation for seniors, people with disabilities, and others in need throughout our community.
Get your tickets today!
Special thanks to our sponsors! Want to see your logo here? Contact Molly. |
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Gifts from local foundations, area businesses, and organizations make it possible for us to provide transportation to thousands of low-income seniors and people with disabilities each year. Special thanks to the following for your generous gifts last quarter: Allen County Health Department English, Bonter, Mitchell Foundation Ian & Mimi Rolland Foundation John Chapman Fund The Journal Gazette Foundation Old National Bank Foundation Parkview Health PHP Foundation Sipe Family Fund
St. Joseph Community Health Foundation |
All Aboard the CTNite BUS for a magical adventure like no other!
Join us October 11th at the Hogworks Takeover (Wall & College St., west end of Dynamo Alley) for a 15-minute ride into the world of Ghoul Studies — brought to you by CTN and our spellbinding instructors! CTNite BUS runs from 10:30 AM–5:00 PM “Class” starts every :00 and :30 Wizard Tickets: $5 (Muggles welcome... mostly)
Max 16 students per class — spots vanish fast! Whether you're a witch, wizard, or curious muggle, you’ll love this enchanted ride. But beware — Ghoul Studies runs on time! No refunds for tardy travelers (even if your broom breaks down). Tickets are transferable, but not refundable. Arrive 5 minutes early with your QR code ready!
Grab your tickets now—before they disappear! |
Changes to Charter Service:
At CTN, we continually assess our services to ensure they align with our mission and community needs while maintaining organizational sustainability. This sometimes means introducing new programs and, at other times, discontinuing those that no longer fit our focus.
Earlier this year, our program committee reviewed our School Bus Charter Service, which primarily served early learning centers, private schools, and other nonprofits for field trips and large group outings. Despite generating revenue and facilitating many trips, it wasn't central to our mission. Additionally, we faced challenges securing insurance providers willing to underwrite both our non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) and school buses.
Considering these factors, our board decided to discontinue the school bus charter program and sell the buses. The good news is that we still offer comfortable, reliable charter service for groups of 18 or fewer on our transit vans, which are much comfier than the buses ever were. If you have an upcoming event requiring group transportation, we'd love to help.
https://ridectn.org/services/group-transportation/ | |
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Fresh Wheels, Fresh Look: 3 New Vans Hit the Road If you’ve spotted a snazzy CTN van rolling through Fort Wayne lately, you’re not imagining things—we’ve just added four brand-new vans to our fleet! And thanks to the talented team at Paint the Town Graphics, they’re looking better than ever.
We're grateful to STAR Financial and Felderman Design Build for supporting CTN and advertising on the back of the new vans! |
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Want Your Brand on the Move?
These fresh wraps also highlight an exciting opportunity: Brand in Motion, CTN’s van advertising program. Local businesses and organizations can place their logo, tagline, and graphics on our vans, turning every mile into a marketing opportunity—while supporting CTN’s mission.
Learn more about becoming a van advertiser here. |
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Shuttle Services at Upcoming Events CTN has partnered with Fiesta Fort Wayne and The Labor Day Picnic to offer FREE shuttles to event attendees. |
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As we begin Fiscal Year 2026, we’re proud to recognize and welcome the dedicated individuals serving on CTN’s Board of Directors—some stepping into new leadership roles, and others continuing their valuable service. Together, this group brings expertise, passion, and a shared commitment to advancing our mission of providing safe, reliable transportation to our community. We’re grateful for their guidance and look forward to the year ahead. Ryan Harris President – New Role! Felderman Design-Build Karen Berggoetz Vice President – New Role! Community Leader David Leininger Secretary – New Role! Star Financial Bank Jeremy Hostetler Treasurer
Christen Souers, LLC Jared Helge Immediate Past President Rothberg Law Firm Andrew Thomas – New Board Member! Ridge NAPA Group Visit our website for a full list of our Board of Directors. |
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For more than two decades, CTN has been proud to partner with the Senior Information Fair (SIF)—an annual event that connects older adults and their families with valuable resources, services, and community connections. This year’s fair will take place on: Thursday, September 18, 2025
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Turnstone – Plassman Athletic Center Fieldhouse, 3320 N. Clinton, Fort Wayne, IN
Free Admission
Learn more about the event »
From the very beginning, community partnerships have been at the heart of the Senior Information Fair’s success—and CTN plays a key role in making it happen.
“Community partnerships, especially with CTN, are at the very core of planning, implementing, and executing the Senior Information Fair each year,” says Betty Foster, 2025 Board President of the Senior Information Fair. “Community Transportation Network is essential to SIF logistics; the annual fair depends on their service.”
CTN’s free shuttle service for vendors and guests ensures that everyone can access the fair safely, conveniently, and without transportation barriers. “CTN has provided their valuable shuttle service to SIF for at least twenty years to my knowledge,” Foster notes. “Their drivers are courteous and helpful with every single rider, whether they are a vendor or an attendee.”
In recognition of this long-standing commitment, the SIF Board selected CTN as their 2024 local partner organization to receive a monetary donation following last year’s event. “We have enjoyed supporting CTN over the years,” says Foster. “Their commitment, involvement, and support make them an indispensable part of our success.”
As 2025 approaches, we look forward to another year of collaboration, connection, and helping the Senior Information Fair continue to thrive. We’ll see you there! |
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