[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5236]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING ITNAMERICA FOR DELIVERING A HALF-MILLION SENIOR RIDES

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. CHELLIE PINGREE

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 15, 2013

  Ms. PINGREE of Maine. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate an 
organization based in my district on reaching an important milestone. 
With its beginnings in Portland, Maine, the senior transportation 
service ITNAmerica provided its half-millionth ride in March 2013.
  Designed to recreate the comfort, convenience, and independence of 
private automobile ownership, ITNAmerica offers rides to seniors who 
can no longer drive their own vehicles. Using a network of paid and 
volunteer drivers, the organization offers ``arm-through-arm and door-
through-door service'' seven days a week, 24 hours a day. With an 
average age of 85, riders use the service for anything from shopping 
trips to doctor's appointments.
  Reading the stories of its riders, it's clear that ITNAmerica's 
service is not just about getting seniors from Point A to B.
  Without the ability to drive, seniors can find themselves suddenly 
shut off from services, friends, and the world--with terrible 
repercussions for their health and wellbeing. Just as sadly, our 
communities can also lose out on the many things they have to offer. 
This service allows seniors to keep their freedom and quality of life 
while maintaining their connections to businesses, churches, and 
volunteer commitments. And along the way, they develop lasting 
friendships with their drivers and fellow riders.
  Executive Director Katherine Freund founded the organization in 1995 
after her 3-year-old son was injured by an elderly driver. Katherine 
decided the accident was less the fault of the driver than of a system 
that does not adequately meet the transportation needs of seniors who 
live past their driving years. From humble beginnings, ITNAmerica has 
grown to 23 affiliates in 18 states across the country and Katherine 
has earned numerous awards and accolades for the difference she has 
made in the lives of seniors.
  While it took 18 years to reach the first half-million rides, 
ITNAmerica expects to deliver its millionth ride in only three years 
from now. With millions of baby boomers soon retiring, this service is 
more important than ever. My sincere congratulations and appreciation 
go to Katherine Freund, ITNAmerica, its affiliates, staff, volunteers, 
and, indeed, riders on reaching this incredible milestone.

                          ____________________