How do we define impact? Is it the total number of trips? Number of riders? Is it their overall satisfaction with our service? (all of which are highlighted in our latest Impact Report)

As a nonprofit working to ease the burden of transportation, all of those matter. But, for the rider – they are only worried about their trip. And that is why every trip is a success.

Every week we hear from new riders seeking to ride CTN because another service didn’t show up on time and they were late for their appointment. Or the service showed up with a sedan, when they needed a wheelchair accessible vehicle. Or the service forgot them completely.

During fiscal year 2025, which ended June 30, 2025, CTN showed up more than 25,000 times – on time, with the right vehicle, and with a driver ready to support our riders.

This month’s newsletter will highlight our impact and how we show up. You’ll read about Rider Kirsten who sees CTN as a pathway back to independence. You’ll learn about Stephanie Harter, recently promoted to Director of Finance, and how she shows up for our team and our mission. And, you’ll read about Jared Helge, who served as our Board President for two years and was nominated for Foellinger Foundation’s Board Leadership Award. 

My only question for you is, ‘How are you making an impact?’

Justin Clupper

Executive Director

In March 2025, Kirsten was connected to CTN through her therapist at Turnstone. What began as a referral quickly became something much bigger: a pathway back to independence.

For Kirsten, reliable transportation isn’t just about getting from point A to point B, rather it’s about dignity, confidence, and feeling like herself again. CTN rides have given her the freedom to attend appointments and move through her days without relying on others, something she describes as helping her “feel like a normal person.” That sense of independence has been life-changing.

Kirsten is also quick to point out that her experience isn’t unique. The drivers and rides provided through CTN have a monumental impact—not just on her life, but on so many people across our community who depend on safe, consistent transportation to stay connected to care, services, and everyday life.

At the end of 2025, CTN proudly promoted Stephanie Harter to Director of Finance, a role she has more than earned over her 10.5 years of service to our organization as our accountant.

Stephanie, pictured with husband Matt, may describe her work as “my own small way” of contributing to the mission, but her impact is anything but small. Behind the scenes, she helps ensure CTN has the financial strength and stability to continue connecting seniors and individuals with disabilities to the medical care and community resources they depend on.

“To me, CTN’s mission means being part of something truly special,” she shared. “I get to work alongside an incredible team that helps seniors and people with disabilities stay connected to their doctors and their community, so they can remain healthy, independent, and supported.”

While Stephanie’s work happens largely in the office, her heart is firmly with the people we serve and the team that makes it happen. She lights up when talking about the rare moments the full staff gathers together: sharing a meal, swapping stories, laughing loudly, and celebrating one another. One of her favorite traditions? Cheering on the “Favorite Driver” winner at the Hop On Brew Tour and watching them proudly smash a pie into Justin’s face.

“Supporting CTN means becoming part of a community that feels like family,” she said. “Every ride is more than transportation: it’s a connection, a conversation, and a reminder that no one is alone.”

And if she could choose any ride herself? Stephanie laughs and says she’d happily ride — not drive — in a Corvette Stingray, with her husband (or a chauffeur!) behind the wheel.

We are grateful for her decade of service and excited for this next chapter in her leadership journey.

Our team is the heart of everything we do. Their dedication and passion ensure that our riders get where they need to go safely and reliably every day. This month, we’re celebrating our incredible employees who have reached milestone anniversaries with CTN!

We recently added 3 new employees to our Scheduling and Dispatch team. Welcome!

Turn back the clock and join us for a totally rad ‘80s theme evening of cocktails, cuisine, connections, and cause! CTN’s signature fundraising event, Dine 4 Rides, brings bold ’80s flair, great company, high-energy fun, and a special surprise you won’t want to miss.

Guests will enjoy handcrafted cocktails, dinner, entertainment, a bourbon raffle, and an exciting live auction — all while supporting safe, reliable transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities in our community.

Thanks to supporters like you, CTN provided more than 21,000 medical trips last year, helping 598 neighbors access life-saving care with dignity and ease.

Get your tickets today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/dine4rides/event/dine4rides2026/

2025 was a milestone year for CTN

Last year, we celebrated two major achievements: reaching our 1,000,000th trip and launching our 25th anniversary year.

These milestones represent more than numbers. They reflect lives impacted, barriers removed, and the power of a community that continues to show up for its neighbors.

See what supporters like YOU made possible by exploring our 2025 Impact Report.

Want to dive deeper? In the name of transparency, our tax return and year end financials are also posted on our website. https://ridectn.org/about-us/financials/

AWS Becomes WindSwell

In January, The AWS Foundation, who have been long-time partners in our mission, revealed their new name: WindSwell Foundation

This name reflects the broad, sweeping impact their grantmaking has over the entire community and region. It serves as a symbol for the way they carry out their mission. Like a seed carried in the wind, they facilitate and fund ideas, and their community partners carry them out in their communities, with transformational results.

We are excited to continue our partnership with WindSwell and look forward to coming alongside them in their pursuit of lasting impact.

Disabilities Expo

Visit us at the Disabilities Expo on May 10. CTN, along with over 120 exhibitors specializing in disability services, will be there  From recreation to education to navigating Medicare, the Disabilities Expo has something for everyone. This annual event includes adaptive sports demonstrations, performances by performers with disabilities, and sensory make and take activities. Parking is FREE! Visit DisabilitiesExpoIndiana.org to print your parking voucher. 

Past Board President Jared Helge exemplifies what it means to invest in our community. He understands that while many of us take transportation for granted, countless neighbors face daily barriers accessing healthcare, work, and essential services. Through his leadership, Jared helped ensure CTN is positioned to remove those barriers not just today, but for years to come.

Learn more and apply: https://ridectn.org/about-us/employment/