In August, I joined more than 600 non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) peers for our annual conference. The three-day conference left me feeling like I was drinking from a fire hose again, but two things have stuck with me. -
Demand for services like CTN will increase at least 5x in the next ten years.
- Traditional insurance options (including most Medicare) don’t include NEMT benefits. This leaves a significant population paying privately for services like ours. Only Medicaid and some Medicare Advantage plans offer NEMT.
In the last 12 months, we provided over 25,000 rides. Actual demand in Allen County is significantly higher. What would CTN look like if we were providing 125,000 trips a year? What would our ridership look like?
Currently, 70% of our riders use Medicaid or Medicaid Waiver benefits to cover our transportation costs. Riders who don’t have a transportation benefit pay CTN a sliding scale based on their monthly household income. Most pay $8 or less per trip, or about 10% of the actual cost. Donations make up the difference, enabling us to serve our riders with safety and care.
In November, we hope to raise $15,000 in special donations, with a match being provided by Christen Souers. The funds will provide free transportation to everyone - including those who would normally have to pay. It's our way of making the holidays a little easier on our riders. Thank you!! Justin |
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| Meet Hollie. For the past four years, CTN has been part of Hollie’s daily routine and a key part of her independence. Hollie was first connected with CTN through life Adult Day Academy (LADA) when several large private transportation companies closed in 2017. CTN stepped in, ensuring she could continue attending LADA, a place she loves and looks forward to each day.
Reliable transportation has allowed Hollie to participate fully in the programming at LADA, but it’s the relationships she’s formed along the way that make her rides truly special. Her driver, Sal, has taken time to get to know Hollie. Sal knows what makes her smile, what calms her, and most importantly, what she loves. When Hollie finds out Sal will be her driver, she lights up and signs excitedly. Sal even plays Hollie’s favorite music, especially Carrie Underwood, during their rides together. It’s become a comforting routine that Hollie cherishes.
Hollie’s mother shares that CTN’s drivers are always prompt, thoughtful, and communicative, calling ahead to let her know when they are on their way. “We appreciate all of CTN’s drivers,” she says, “but especially Sal. She is truly a gift. She always goes the extra mile and makes Hollie feel special. Hollie jokes with her, laughs with her, and is always happiest when Sal is the one taking her to school.” |
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For Hollie’s family, CTN represents more than transportation; it means reliability, safety, and the comfort of knowing Hollie is cared for by people who genuinely value her.
“We know we can count on CTN,” her mother adds. “They get Hollie where she needs to go, and they brighten her day along the way.” |
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For the past three years, April has been an invaluable part of the CTN team. She not only schedules and dispatches, but also drives for CTN! Just last month, April was promoted to Lead Scheduler a role in which she brings organization, compassion, and genuine care to every rider and colleague she supports.
To April, her role at CTN is far more than coordinating schedules and logistics. It’s about connecting with people by meeting the needs of riders, supporting fellow staff members, and ensuring every interaction runs smoothly. She finds purpose in knowing her work helps create a positive, welcoming environment. “Every interaction,” she says, “is a chance to make a meaningful impact and build a sense of community within our organization.” One moment that stands out for April happened during CTN’s Christmas game, |
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when she randomly drew her sister’s name. Sharing heartfelt words about her sister’s kindness and support in front of the whole team brought smiles all around and reminded April just how strong CTN’s sense of camaraderie truly is. April wants anyone considering supporting CTN to know their involvement truly makes a difference. “Your support helps us create a more organized, welcoming environment for both riders and staff. Because of you, we’re able to continue building meaningful relationships and ensuring everyone feels valued and cared for. Together, we can strengthen our community.”
And just for fun, if April could drive any vehicle? A 2025 Red Corvette Phantom—her dream car, hands down. |
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CTN’s 10th Annual Hop On Brew Tour was one for the books. Hundreds of our supporters gathered to enjoy great brews, local stops, and the sense of community that makes this event so special. But beyond the fun, something remarkable happened: together, attendees helped raise $37,165, enough to provide 826 door-through-door trips for seniors, people with disabilities, and neighbors who depend on CTN to stay healthy, connected, and independent.
That impact is felt in very real ways: Ruthanne can continue getting to her radiation treatments with dignity and peace of mind. Anthony never has to worry about missing therapy that keeps him strong.
Carol and her daughter can stay connected to the care, services, and people who support their well-being. These aren’t just rides; they’re lifelines, and Hop On attendees helped ensure they remain available when most needed.
The day was also filled with friendly competition as riders cast votes for their favorite CTN drivers. Your enthusiasm raised $871 through votes alone! Congratulations to this year’s top five: Sal — 438 votes (and yes, she earned the honor of pie-ing Justin at the holiday party!) Jean — 131
Lane — 83 Mary — 77 Vicki — 69 From all of us at CTN — thank you for Hop-ping On with us and helping fuel transportation for those who need it most. Want to relive the fun? Browse and share event photos here. |
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Mark your calendars! CTN’s Annual Dine 4 Rides Gala returns on Thursday, May 28, 2026, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you! This unforgettable night brings together everything we love: handcrafted cocktails, a delicious dinner, live entertainment, and an exciting live and silent auction. But what makes this event truly special is its purpose.
So save the date, invite a friend, and get ready for a meaningful night. Together, we’ll fuel another year of life-changing transportation for those who need it most. Questions? [email protected] More details coming soon! https://ridectn.org/support/dine-4-rides/ |
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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: Zollner Foundation O'Rourke-Schof Family Foundation Prophet Sisters Foundation Parkview Health AWS Foundation
Charles W. Kuhne Charitable Foundation Edward M. and Mary McCrea Wilson Foundation - PNC Charitable Trust Mary Cross Tippmann Foundation The Lutheran Foundation Foellinger Foundation |
2025 National Philanthropy Day Nominee Change the World | Youth in Philanthropy Award
Dominica Casini has been a dedicated volunteer and donor for CTN over the past five years. She has found creative ways to support the organization, including volunteering at the annual Dine4Rides Gala, contributing to data analysis projects that improved scheduling efficiency, and organizing a decorated door contest that raised funds for CTN. Domenica’s leadership extends to her involvement in numerous extracurricular activities, where she continues to demonstrate her commitment to serving her community. Her ability to inspire others and her innovative approach to fundraising make her an invaluable asset to CTN and the broader community.
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| Rural Transit Assistance Program Training
We're grateful for the Indiana Rural Transit Assistance Program for spending the day with us and a few other transit agencies to provide the latest in Passenger Assistance Techniques. Training like this helps our drivers keep our riders as safe as possible. It also helps us stay at the forefront of trends and changes in best practices. We're excited to implement this training to the rest of our team over the coming weeks. |
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Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia Training In September, our team participated in Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia training, presented by the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter.
We’re so proud of our staff for their commitment to continued learning — because at CTN, caring for our community means caring for the people and the caregivers behind every ride.
This training gave our team deeper insight into:
-The difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia
-Stages, risk factors, and the latest research
-FDA-approved treatments
Every new skill and bit of knowledge helps us serve our riders with even more compassion, patience, and understanding. |
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| Ryan Harris, CTN Board Chair & President, Felderman Design-Build
This month, we’re shining a light on someone whose leadership, heart, and belief in CTN’s mission continue to move our work forward: Ryan Harris, CTN’s Board Chair. Ryan first connected with CTN through our former Executive Director Becky and from that very first introduction, something clicked. “I wasn’t very familiar with CTN previously,” he shared. “But I was blown away by the people, the culture, and the mission.”
That discovery quickly became a calling; one that led him to champion our work at the board level. |
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| For Ryan, CTN’s impact is simple:
“It allows those without transportation to get to and from their medical appointments with exceptional care.”
Reliable transportation isn’t just a convenience; it’s a lifeline, and he’s proud to support an organization that delivers it with compassion every single day.
One moment that has stayed with him came during a ride-along a few years ago. When Ryan and the driver arrived to pick up a rider, the rider’s father stepped outside, overflowing with gratitude. “He kept thanking me for everything CTN does,” Ryan recalled. That brief interaction became a powerful reminder of how much these rides mean to families in our community.
Serving with CTN has also shifted Ryan’s perspective. “I’ve gained a whole new understanding of the importance of reliable transportation,” he said, a truth that resonates deeply in both his personal and professional life. When asked what he’d tell someone thinking about supporting CTN, his answer was immediate: “You certainly will not regret it.” We’re grateful for Ryan’s leadership and commitment to driving the community forward. CTN is stronger because of volunteers like him. |
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Honor Flight Northeast Indiana Honoring Veterans. Empowering Their Journey.
For many of our nation’s heroes, Honor Flight Northeast Indiana (HFNI) offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience: the chance to travel to Washington, D.C., and visit the memorials built in their honor. Behind the scenes of every departure and every homecoming is a network of partners working to make the day seamless, safe, and meaningful. CTN is proud to be one of them. HFNI President Cathy Berkshire shared how CTN helps make each flight possible. Each Honor Flight begins long before takeoff. Before dawn, CTN vehicles arrive at a local hotel to transport veterans and their guardians to the morning program, which is an essential part of the experience that sets the tone for the day. In the evening, after an emotional return to Fort Wayne International Airport, CTN vehicles are once again there to transport participants back to the hotel, ensuring everyone travels comfortably and safely. Accessible transportation is not just beneficial for these trips—it’s absolutely critical. Many Honor Flight participants are older adults, and some require mobility assistance. Reliable lift-equipped vehicles and trained drivers ensure every veteran, regardless of mobility, can participate fully in this meaningful journey. Cathy emphasizes that CTN is an indispensable partner:
Honor Flight depends on accessible, dependable transportation for every single flight. Without CTN, the organization would be forced to seek alternative options—an uncertainty that could complicate logistics and limit participation for veterans who rely on mobility support.
What stands out most to HFNI is CTN’s commitment to excellence. Cathy notes that CTN’s drivers and staff are consistently prompt, helpful, and efficient, which are all qualities that ensure each Honor Flight runs smoothly during moments that matter deeply to veterans and their families.
For the community, this partnership reflects something bigger: a shared commitment to honoring service and ensuring our veterans receive the care, dignity, and respect they deserve. CTN’s role may be behind the scenes, but it is essential to the success of every Honor Flight out of Fort Wayne.
At CTN, we are humbled to play a part in this mission. Each ride is more than transportation; it’s a tribute to those who have served, a journey toward remembrance, and a reflection of what it means to care for our community’s heroes. |
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