 |
 |
|
| Let's reach $125,000 |
|
The first gifts in early 2005 were $30, $50, $25, $200, and $75 to establish Senior Wheels dba ITNCharlestonTrident. They were encouraging and appreciated as the project took shape and we paid the IRS fees for 501(c)(3) non-profit status. Actually the start-up costs for ITNCharlestonTrident (ITNC/T) are $125,000. Soon Trident United Way provided the first larger gift of $20,000, and Roper St.Francis Hospital and the Medical Association of South Carolina came through with another $20,000. Cornelia Pelzer, Director of the Charleston Association for the Blind, presented the third large grant of $20,000. So we are well on our way to reach the needed $125,000 plus the first year's operating funds of $75,000. All contributions are welcome and, of course, tax deductible within the limits the IRS sets. Contact Trustee Chairperson, Dick Giffen 843-856-9260, or Treasurer, Jeff Yost, if you would like to support this service for seniors and the visually impaired. ITN is determined to preserve personal dignity, self-reliance, and independence for individuals while offering support and peace of mind to the families of older adults. |
| hide this box by clicking anywhere |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Our Story | close |
| The Trident Area Agency on Aging (as part of a Silver Haired Legislature Trident Caucus meeting) invited Dick Giffen and others to attend the April 21, 2004 Geriatric Best Practice (Duke Foundation) presentation in Charleston so as to secure information about senior transportation and other issues. Among the courses offered, ITN Founder Director Katherine Freund made a persuasive presentation about the Independent Transportation Network of Portland, Maine. Freund mentioned that ITNAmerica was seeking as many as five pilot communities to replicate the ITN model. Research into various senior transportation models around the country led to the conclusion that the ITN model was the most viable. The first "Exploratory Meeting Regarding Transportation for Seniors" was held on November 23, 2004, on the porch of the Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall and moderated by Dick Giffen. Present was Jim Dubs (Artist, retired Director of ElderLink), Kitty Farrier (GoFor Project Volunteer), Paul Franklin (Owner of Franklin Associates, Chairperson “Aging in Place Conference”), Rev. Dick Giffen (retiring Director of Shepherd’s Center of EC and GoFor Project Director and former Presbyterian Executive), Jo Anne Penington (GoFor Project Volunteer), Lola Reilly (GoFor Project Volunteer), Rev. Steve Souther (Retired Presbyterian Pastor). Out of their experience serving the homebound in the community, the participants saw the need for senior transportation and formed a non-profit organization called Senior Wheels, applying for both South Carolina incorporation and 501(c)(3) status with the IRS. On May 13, 2005 the Geriatric Region 9 follow-up of the Best Practice Conference, funded by Trident United Way (TUW), voted to "Explore collaboration with ITN (Independent Transportation Network of Portland, Maine)." After several months of research and consultation the decision was made that Senior Wheels should apply to be an affiliate of ITNAmerica. The application was mailed on September 1. The raising of funds for the start-up costs continued and gradually sufficient resources were accumulated so that the Senior Wheels Trustees voted to guarantee the needed amount. ITNAmerica accepted the application and letter of committal and officially designated ITNCharlestonTrident as an ITNAmerica affiliate. October 20-21, 2005, Terry Brown and Paul Franklin and Dick Giffen participated in the ITNAmerica Summit meeting in Portland, Maine, receiving the start-up tools and information for the beginning stages of ITNCharlestonTrident. |
|
| close | |
| Board of Directors | close |
|
Phil Avery Paul Bolen Barbara Camera - Secretary Ralph Comp Ralph is a retired Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy and served ten years as a Florida State Probation Officer. He received his BS from Florida Southern College and an MA in Psychology from Webster College. He is past Vice President of St. Vincent de Paul Society and a Life Member of the United States Submarine Veterans. Paul Franklin - Chairperson of the Trustees President of the South Carolina Aging-In-Place Coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping seniors stay independent and age-in-place for as long as possible. Transportation has been a major focus of the S.C. Aging in Place Coalition and Paul has taken an active role in meeting and working with the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority to develop senior friendly bus routes, schedules and bus stop facilities. Richard Giffen Retired minister and former Executive Presbyter of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), serving 13 years with the Presbytery of Elizabeth in New Jersey. He has degrees from Pittsburgh Seminary, the University of Pittsburgh and Muskingum College. He was Director of the Shepherd’s Center of East Cooper for seven years and is Founder and Director of the Faith in Action GoFor Project, working with homebound people. In 2004 he initiated "Senior Wheels," which is now doing business as ITNCharlestonTrident. Joe Grech - Treasurer Phil Jones - Vice Chairperson of the Trustees Richard Koehler Cornelia H. Pelzer Executive Director of the Charleston Association for the Blind, Cornelia received her BA in Mathematics and the University of Tennessee. She also served with the Historic Charleston Foundation. She has served on the Board of the Bishop Gadsden Retirement Community and other community organizations. Janet Schumacher Coordinator of the City of Charleston Mayor’s Office on Aging and ADA since 2004. The MOA has conducted Forums at which transportation has consistently been the most primary complaint. The Mayor’s Office on Aging has researched transportation options and best practices for the last 3 years. Prior to 2004 Janet was the City’s ADA Consultant, facilitating transportation for people with disabilities. David Unwin Solly Ward Elizabeth Willis |
|
| close | |
| Mission Statement | close |
To provide dignified, reliable, and sustainable community based and community supported transportation for older adults (65+) and people with visual impairments. |
|
| close | |
|
||||||||||||
|
Transportation for older people is a rapidly growing public health and safety problem. Government cannot provide the solution, which impacts every family in America.
To donate to the national mission please click here.
ITNCharlestonTrident operates solely on income earned from fares, membership dues, and private donations. Your tax-deductible gift will enable ITNCharlestonTrident to continue its mission of providing safe, dignified automobile transportation for older people. Thank you!
- Donate Cash
Click Here for a printable donation form - GIVACAR
Donate an old or surplus vehicle to the ITN.
For more information please contact:
Donate
ITNCharlestonTrident.org.
Other In-kind Donations
ITNCharlestonTrident is a charitable organization. In-kind donations of goods, such as office furniture or office supplies, are welcome and may be tax deductible, as provided by law.
| [ Log In ] [ Contact Us ] [ Site Map ] |
|
Copyright ©2006 ITNAmerica™
Inc. All Rights Reserved.
*Privacy Policy |