CTN puts out urgent call for new drivers as new funding boosts capacity

This story is part of Moving Fort Wayne Forward, a year-long reporting effort to engage residents, employers, and community leaders of Greater Fort Wayne around the possibility of a more modern, multimodal transportation system. Read the full series here.

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Sal Lehman has been working as a driver with Community Transport Network (CTN) for a little over two-and-a-half years. Even though it’s a paid position, Lehman says she would volunteer her time and talent just the same.

“I’m a people person, so being able to interact with the clients is like seeing your friends every day,” she says. “You look forward to seeing them, and they look forward to seeing us. It’s really a lot of fun. This is just really a way to give back to the community. Honestly, if I didn’t need a job, I would do this as a volunteer if that were an option. It’s just a great way to give back to the community, and you’re getting paid.”

It’s a passion for people, being a bright light in an otherwise dark time, and building relationships with clients that fulfill this driver. Now, CTN is in urgent need of drivers like Lehman. 

CTN drivers are oftentimes semi-retired. Recently, many of CTN’s drivers have fully retired. Between the vacant positions and a new grant from Kathy Fitzgerald Trust that funds additional trips, CTN is looking to hire seven drivers. 

For the past 25 years, CTN has assisted folks with transportation to things like dialysis, chemo, radiation treatments, general doctor and dentist appointments, grocery store, pharmacy and bank trips. Funded in part by outside philanthropy and earned revenue, CTN works with Medicaid and private pay options. Their fleet includes 36 wheelchair-accessible vehicles and 22 full and part-time drivers.

“We exist to ease the burden of transportation so that more people can maintain life-sustaining and purposeful connections in our community,” Executive Director Justin Clupper says. “We primarily work with low-income seniors and people with disabilities who need access to healthcare resources throughout Allen County.”

CTN works with roughly 60 different nonprofit partners to facilitate transportation for their consumers.

“We work with, on average, about 650-700 unduplicated riders,” says Clupper. “Last year, we provided over 25,000 unique trips. We stay busy, thanks to a dedicated team of schedulers and dispatchers who schedule and push out our trips to drivers on our team who drive a fleet of wheelchair-accessible vehicles.”

Some riders have been utilizing CTN’s services for over five years, he adds. These are folks who can’t drive, don’t have a car, or aren’t able to ride in a traditional vehicle. 

“They’ve been able to remain independent in their own homes and a part of their community — going to church, being part of their family, church, and neighborhoods,” Clupper explains. 

In addition to the independence and connections, CTN also helps folks remain more knowledgeable about their own health care in general, he says. 

“From recent studies, we know that if someone doesn’t have transportation, they are 25% more likely to not schedule a medical appointment at all. When they don’t keep up with their appointments, they miss little things that could turn into big things. We help folks stay well-informed about their health so they can make good decisions.”

Providing that door-through door, hand-in-hand service for riders helps clients get the highest level of quality and comfort. Meeting them at the door, helping them get out of their homes, into the vehicle, and helping them walk into the office ensures ultimate safety. 

While on ridealongs, Clupper says he witnesses the positive impact CTN’s services and drivers have on clients. Whether it’s appointments like everyday radiation appointments for six weeks, or every-other-day dialysis treatments, these rides are often facilitating a life-saving service. 

“For us, it’s an incredible privilege to be able to come alongside our riders and help them get the access they need,” he says. “We know these are folks that just want dignity, to be respected, honored, supported, and the same healthcare access as anybody else…We count it as an opportunity to share in life with them. Our drivers maintain conversations and relationships with them in meaningful ways to create a special bond that’s really neat to see.”

Although Lehman brought a wealth of knowledge and experience from working as a nurse’s aide, working with adults with special needs and social work in family home-based services, she says it’s that sort of experience is not required.

“Justin at CTN always says, ‘We’re looking for kind people.’ If you’re nice and you care about people, we can teach you the rest. Just because you don’t have experience working with people, that doesn’t mean you wouldn’t be good for this position. We all have social skills just as human beings, and we all interact with one another. As long as you’re nice and kind, you can learn how to help.”

She encourages those who are looking for a career change or want to give back to their community to explore the opportunities with CTN. 

“Honestly, it’s so rewarding, and it makes you feel good about yourself,” she says. “It just fills you up, it warms your heart to help and give to others. It’s fun to me. I look forward to going to work every single day. I look forward to Monday and to seeing my clients.”

Whether it’s to medical appointments, or important socialization and day programming at places like Benchmark, Turnstone, Easterseals, or The Carriage House, Lehman aims to be a cheerful moment in her client’s days. She enjoys being able to provide the service, which can take the burden off of family caregivers, while maintaining a sense of independence for clients. 

“I try to be a bright spot in my clients’ days,” she says. “If you have somebody in a power chair that has to be in a medical transport vehicle, we may be the only time they ever get out of the house. So let’s make it a good day and a good time.”

Ideal driver candidates would have a customer service mindset, a good heart, and a passion for connecting with some of the community’s most vulnerable neighbors, according to Clupper. Shift times vary from morning to evening, and drivers are compensated between $14-15.50 an hour.

In May, CTN hosts their annual fundraising event, the Dine 4 Rides Gala, an ‘80s themed party, on Thursday, May 28 at Parkview Mirro Center. Folks are able to donate rides for those in need, any day of the year – online.

Thanks to our Presenting Partner, Parkview Health, our Lead Sponsors, WindSwell Foundation and Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, and to our sponsor, Citilink, for making this story possible.