I recently discussed the importance of collaboration with some nonprofit peers and how we lean on each other as subject matter experts. One particular leader, who works with youth, specifically said, if we need to move youth around, we’re not driving them, we call CTN to help us – they know transportation. CTN was formed to be that partner in our community and I’m proud of how we continue to show up every day for individuals and agencies alike.
We wrapped up our fiscal year on June 30th providing over 26,000 rides to nearly 800 unique riders! More than 60% of our trips were provided through collaborative relationships with other agencies and organizations. 5,553 trips were provided to Turnstone clients – helping them access day services, memory care, therapy, aquatic services, and the gym. In many ways CTN was born out of Turnstone so it is no wonder they remain our largest partner. Thanks to funding support from the Cathy Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation we were able to enhance our partnership with Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana. In June of 2025 we provided 36 trips and in July of 2026 we provided 164 trips. In total, we’ve provided 1,229 rides to cancer patients through that partnership.
For more than 15 years, Citilink has been our local partner, helping us secure federal funding that has enabled us to purchase vehicles and funding to operate those vehicles. Each month, that partnership funds more than 500 trips.
Collaboration isn’t just a buzzword for CTN, it’s a core component of who we are. Supporting CTN isn’t just supporting CTN, it’s supporting dozens of other agencies and hundreds of community members. We don’t need to be good at everything—we’re already great at providing safe and reliable rides. When you support CTN, you strengthen those connections across our community. Thank you for helping us be a partner our neighbors can count on. Justin Clupper Executive Director |
For more than five years, CTN has helped Christopher get to and from his daily programming, keeping him connected to a part of his life beyond home. These dependable rides make it possible for Christopher to participate while giving his parents the confidence to go to work, knowing he has safe, caring transportation. |
Christopher and his family were first connected to CTN through AWS. His dad shares that CTN’s impact on their day-to-day life is immeasurable. "You are an absolute lifesaver," he says. "Without you, our son wouldn't get to his programming, we wouldn't be able to work every day, and we wouldn't be able to function as a family. Knowing CTN will be here, without a doubt, removes a huge burden from our shoulders."
Beyond getting from point A to point B, it is the heart and dedication of CTN’s drivers that truly sets the service apart. Arriving every day with a smile, the driving team treats Christopher like family, providing compassionate, reliable care that gives his parents complete peace of mind. When we asked his dad what he would share with donors and supporters considering a gift to CTN, the message is clear:
"Without services like this, parents like us couldn't keep our loved ones at home. Your drivers are friendly, considerate, kind, and caring... Services like this mean we can live just like anyone else, and my son can keep on living." Every ride CTN provides is more than just a trip across town: it is independence, community connection, and stability for local families. Thank you to our donors and community partners for making stories like Christopher’s possible!
|
Anne Hall - Director of Administration |
For over a decade, Anne has been a cornerstone of the CTN team. As Director of Administration for the past 11 years, she ensures operations behind the scenes run smoothly so our drivers and schedulers can deliver life-changing transportation every day across our community.
When asked what CTN’s mission means to her, Anne speaks to the heart of our daily work: "CTN's mission means independence, connections, care, and dignity. It means going the extra mile with a smile on our faces."
While her roll keeps her busy, Anne’s favorite moments at CTN are the rare times when the entire team gets to gather in one place. Whether it’s the annual staff holiday party or a casual summer cookout, she cherishes the opportunity for the team to relax together away from the daily pressures of schedule deadlines and appointment pickups.
For donors, partners, and community members considering supporting CTN, Anne emphasizes that every dollar goes far beyond simply fuel and tires:
"CTN does not just provide a ride. We provide safety, comfort, reliability, and access to medical treatments, food, and the community. Our drivers are more than drivers—they grow to be friends who share music, books, and stories. Our schedulers go above and beyond to make every trip happen, often serving as a friendly ear for someone feeling alone. Our team knows, even on a tough day, that they are truly making a difference."
Just for Fun! If you could drive any vehicle, what would it be? "Does a hot air balloon count? I'm terrified of heights, but for some reason, I would love to try a hot air balloon. There’s just something magical about them!" Thank you, Anne, for 11 years of dedication, heart, and leadership at CTN! |
Good Friends. Great Brews. Rides That Matter. Your afternoon out can help someone get to their next medical appointment. Gather your friends for CTN’s Hop On Brew Tour on Saturday, November 14! Enjoy Fort Wayne breweries while CTN handles the driving. Every ticket helps provide dependable, affordable transportation for seniors and people with disabilities in our community.
Make plans, make memories and help keep our neighbors connected. |
Local Support Real Impact! |
Support from local foundations, businesses and organizations helps thousands of seniors and people with disabilities access medical care, maintain independence and stay connected to their community, especially when transportation costs are a barrier. Thank you to the following partners whose generous gifts last quarter helped keep our neighbors moving! |
|
|
There are few that are passionate about transportation. There are even fewer who truly understand the complexities surrounding it.
Since our inception, CTN has been confused with Citilink. From the outside, we’re doing roughly the same thing, but the reality is we work in a symbiotic way that has benefited both organizations for more than 26 years.
For the last fifteen years, due to changes at the federal level, Citilink became the local administrator for Federal Section 5310 Funding which provides CTN’s only federal funding to support the transportation for seniors and people with disabilities. The funding has supported new vehicles and the expenses associated with operating the vehicles. Nearly our entire fleet has been purchased through this program. We have depended on a strong partnership, and we have certainly had one with their outgoing CEO John Metzinger and his staff.
CTN and Citilink have always worked well together, but over the last five years we’ve worked closely to study transportation issues and advocate for change locally and across our state. John and Justin have met regularly for breakfast to stay connected and plan ways to create impact throughout our community. They’ve served together on the Transit Planning Committee and Transportation Advisory Committee as well as the Northeast Indiana Disability Advisory Coalition.
John presented to CTN’s board early on in his tenure with Citilink and Justin has presented to Citilink’s board, as well. The partnership has been and will continue to be important to the future of transportation in Fort Wayne and Allen County. While John is leaving Fort Wayne next month, all of us at CTN wish him the best in his next adventure. And we look forward to our continued partnership with the rest of the team at Citilink! |
Justin Clupper and John Metzinger |
Welcome CTN’s 2026-2027 Board of Directors. Thank you to the following individuals for sharing their time, leadership, and dedication to CTN’s mission. Their commitment helps keep our riders connected to care, independence, and community. |
|
|
|
|
| A New Van, Thanks to Michelin! |
Thank you to Michelin for helping CTN purchase a new van! Their generous support helps keep our riders connected to care and community with safe, reliable transportation. We’re grateful for their partnership—and excited to share a peek at the van below. Keep an eye out for Michelin’s new van ad around town soon! |
|
|
|
Your Gift Means More Than a Ride |
It means getting to treatment, spending the day with friends, and staying connected to the community. It means a caring driver at the door and a helping hand along the way.
When you give to CTN, you help seniors and people with disabilities get where they need to go—with support they can count on. You help make everyday routines possible and bring peace of mind to riders and the people who love them. Give today and help keep our community connected. |
|
|
| You are being sent this email because you are a subscriber.
If you wish to update your Email Preferences or Unsubscribe, click *{{Unsubscribe}}* |
|
|
|
|