You’ve probably read the news about changes to Medicaid and the goal of eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse from the program. We all want public programs to be accountable and to support the people who need them most. But what happens when someone loses access because of an error?

Last month, a longtime rider who relies on CTN to get to dialysis had her Medicaid cut off. She didn’t know it had happened. We only knew because her trips began getting denied. Medicare still covered her dialysis treatments, but Medicaid was what paid for the transportation that made those treatments possible. To say she was upset would be an understatement. She had no idea how she would get to dialysis.

Our scheduling team understands the consequences of missing even one dialysis treatment. Thankfully, we have the Kira Fund. The Kira Fund was created in memory of longtime rider and CTN Board Member Kira Downey. The fund supports riders who cannot afford transportation costs because of unforeseen circumstances.

The team told her not to worry: we were not canceling her trips. The Kira Fund would cover her fees. Her tears were immediate, and we knew we were doing the right thing.

Thankfully, donors support the Kira Fund each year, making moments like this possible. If you would like to help ensure riders can still get to life-sustaining care when unexpected barriers arise, please consider supporting the Kira Downey Memorial Rider Fund by visiting www.ridectn.org/support/make-an-impact/ and selecting the Kira Downey Memorial Rider Fund.

Kira and I served together on CTN’s Board of Directors. I wish no one ever needed this fund, but it means so much to know that Kira continues to make an impact through it.

Gratefully,

Justin Clupper

Executive Director

At our Annual Dine 4 Rides Gala in May, we shared Becky and Corrie's story. After a health decline resulted in a loss of mobility, they struggled to find affordable, accessible transportation to help Becky get to essential medical appointments 

CTN does so much more than just connect point A to point B. By providing specialized, door-through-door assistance and genuine emotional support, our dedicated drivers help seniors regain their independence. As Becky beautifully shares, having the freedom to attend her appointments on her own has made her feel "more alive" and restored a profound sense of hope.

While CTN coordinates over 22,000 medical rides a year, this video reminds us that our true mission is human connection, ensuring that every single rider feels seen, heard, and deeply cared for.

Watch Becky’s moving story below to see the incredible impact of reliable transportation in action.

Keeping our vans running smoothly takes dedication, coordination, and a lot of heart. We are thrilled to feature JP, our Fleet Manager, who has been a vital part of the our team for the past two years!

We sat down with JP to learn more about his journey, his favorite memories on the road, and what keeping CTN moving means to him.

Q: What does CTN’s mission mean to you?

JP: Being able to provide a service and opportunity to members of the community that may otherwise be without.

Q: What is your favorite memory from your time with CTN?

JP: My first time driving back to Fort Wayne from Logansport and having to navigate the new area without navigational support. Then finally finding a familiar road and being able to relax for the trip back.

Q: Just for fun! If you could drive any vehicle, what would it be and why?

JP: Either 54 or 92. Both vehicles for the same reason, which is, I've spent hours upon hours in each of these vehicles. In 54, I've driven almost 36,000 miles in $1\frac{1}{2}$ years within the vehicle, being able to help families get their loved one home from the hospital.

Q: What would you say to someone considering supporting CTN?

JP: Supporting CTN means allowing both the drivers and the riders the ability to recognize that they can always find support within the company no matter what may happen.

Thank you, JP, for the thousands of miles you’ve dedicated to bringing peace of mind to local families, and for making sure our fleet is always ready to serve those who need it most

Q: What inspired you to get involved with CTN?

Andrew: CTN’s mission of helping people with transportation needs inspired me to get involved. Their focus on an underserved population makes it an essential service provider for our community.

Q: What do you think sets CTN apart from other organizations?

Andrew: The camaraderie of the CTN team really inspired me. It’s what sets them apart from other organizations in my opinion. Understanding the mission of CTN has inspired me to continue to support the organization through serving as a board member and as a maintenance provider for the CTN fleet.

Q: Do you have a favorite memory from your time with the organization?

Andrew: The opening of the new CTN garage in 2022 was a favorite memory for myself and my family.

Q: What would you tell someone who is considering donating to CTN?

Andrew: I would say that their donations would be put to use efficiently and effectively, and will have a direct impact on the community.

Q: Just for fun! If you could drive any vehicle, what would it be?

Andrew: My 1958 Chevy Apache pickup! It’s diesel powered.

We are incredibly grateful for Andrew’s multi-faceted support—from guiding our organization in the boardroom to keeping our vehicles safe and reliable on the road. Thank you, Andrew, for everything you do to keep our community connected!

PBS Explorer Day was a hit! On June 13, we joined our local PBS station and other community vendors at this family-friendly, fun-filled day. This was the first "public outing" for our all-new branding! 

We love the new branding helps draw people toward our mission of driving community, connecting people in need to the essential resources that help them live more independently and fully.

Our 80s Party-themed annual gala, Dine 4 Rides, was a SMASH! 

Laughs were had, cocktails were cheers'd, and most importantly, monumental impact was made. 

The funds raised through this event directly impact our community, providing crucial transportation for those who need it most. 

Thank you to all who supported this event! 

Click here to view photos from the event by Bluebird Photography.

Tickets are on sale now for our Annual Hop On Brew Tour. 

Don't miss out on this opportunity to indulge in amazing brews, make memories, and contribute to our community's transportation needs. Let CTN handle the driving while you savor the hoppy delights. We're excited to raise a glass with you and make this day truly special. 

Purchase your tickets today. 

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:

Citilink

Charlie Tippmann Foundation Charitable Trust

Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne

English, Bonter, Mitchell Foundation

Parkview Health

PHP Foundation

PNC Discretionary Charitable Trusts - Dr. Louis and Anne B. Schneider

St. Joseph Community Health Foundation

3Rivers Federal Credit Union