Lexington, KY - When Gale Reece considered starting a new business, she wanted to develop one that would serve Kentucky's aging population. The need was evident: the U.S. Census Bureau in 1995 ranked Kentucky 28th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia in terms of its population of 65 and older. The same research shows that by 2025, however, the state is expected to rank 14th in the nation, increasing from around 12.6 percent of the total population to 21.3 percent. In Fayette County alone, it's estimated that 10 percent of the population, or approximately 28,000 people, are 65 years of age or older.
Reece consulted Dr. Robynn Pease, then director of LFUCG Elderly Services, who identified transportation as the huge need for seniors. Reece wasn't particularly interested in transportation, but every time she saw the possibility for an interesting business serving seniors, transportation was a central issue. "Dr. Pease actually convinced me that until you got transportation under control, a lot of other services affecting quality of life and aging in your own home were impossible," Reece explained.
ITN America and its national affiliate base and support network appeared to be the model that would work for her and for Fayette County's aging population. The ITN America website makes a strong connection between its charitable mission and economics, stating "Independent Transportation Network (ITN) allows seniors to maintain their independence and their dignity. With safe transportation, older adults remain vital to the economic and social health of their communities. Mobility empowers them. They stay connected to family, friends and community. Businesses retain their valuable customers, and more importantly, adult children find relief from a daunting and complex problem."
Reece, who describes ITN of the Bluegrass as a hybrid of business and charity, tells me, "You know, it's not good to know all the pitfalls of a business in the beginning; you might never start anything if you did."
The organization had to raise $125,000 upfront
to become an ITN America affiliate, which it did with the help of Laura Dake of Quadrant II.
"Then right when we were ready to start scheduling our first rides, I had a call from someone in Frankfort saying this volunteer transportation system wasn't legal in Kentucky because of insurance and liability issues," Reece said. "With the help of State Representative Susan Westrom, though, we were able to get the law - a very old law - changed so that any nonprofit serving people 60 and over or serving visually impaired adults who utilize volunteers driving their own cars can be covered by that volunteer's private insurance."
Celebrating its first year of service, ITN is already making a difference in the Bluegrass. According to 78-year-old Oleta Crawley, a retired oncology nurse, it's given her a whole new lease on life. "I just don't like being so dependent on friends and people at church to get me where I need to go. I've spent my life taking care of others, but (in these past several months), my vision problems have kept me from driving. ITN is wonderful. The drivers are so kind; they take me right to the waiting room of the doctor's offices. They've also taken me to the beauty salon to get my hair permed."
Vera Jones, another retired nurse, concurs: "I've never had a bad experience with ITN. They are totally dependable; they show up on time, and it's so much better than waiting for a taxi that might not come."
Asked about support from other organizations, Reece explained that AARP National provides ITN America with funds and volunteers, and, locally, AARP has been supportive in promoting the program. Randy Lawson, with the Bluegrass Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living, is a strong supporter of ITN. "The biggest issue for seniors in the Bluegrass is transportation, and this program is wonderful. While the Wheels program provides some assistance in this area for seniors, it has a 48-hour reservation policy. When there's an emergency - say someone needs to fill a prescription or take an immediate opening at the doctor's office - that's when ITN is most helpful to people. I can't say enough good things about it."
The program in Fayette County is working so well that Reece has applied within the affiliate agreement to include 5 more counties, starting with Jessamine.
"We've given more than 1,800 rides over the past year and need many more volunteer drivers to meet the growing demand. The benefits for drivers include free ITNBluegrass membership to cover another family member or friend, plus mileage reimbursement and transportation credits. For more information or to volunteer, call (859) 252-8665 or go to www.itnbluegrass.org.
Janet Holloway is president of j. holloway & associates and co-founder of Women Leading Kentucky, a foundation committed to creating opportunities for women to lead, learn and achieve. She can be reached at: jhollow@insightbb.com.