Press Releases

Sports tickets for sale online to benefit ITNPortland.

ITNPortland would like to thank TD Banknorth for their generous donation of sports tickets for our online auction. The tickets are being sold through eBay's nonprofit "Giving Works" program so that 100% of the proceeds benefit the organization.

Click here to see the tickets.

Paid Internship Opportunity

ITNPortland has an exciting Paid College Internship opportunity for an energetic person who wants to make a difference for seniors and people with visual impairment.

The goal of the internship is to help build the organization’s capacity to become sustainable. Community outreach will be the focus, including volunteer recruitment, presentations to local businesses and groups, fundraisers, press releases, website updates and a quarterly newsletter, among other tasks. This is an ideal position for someone looking to gain experience at an innovative nonprofit providing an essential service to the community.

Qualifications:

Must be a degree candidate at an accredited college or university
Enthusiasm for the ITN mission
Excellent organizational skills
Strong oral and written communication skills
Strong computer skills and a willingness to learn new programs
Leadership skills and the ability to work independently
Fundraising or event planning experience a plus
Marketing or communications experience a plus

Internship positions are available both part-time during the school year and full-time during the summer. Interested applicants should send a resume, cover letter and transcripts: Contact us.

ITNPortland held its annual Walk for Rides at the Back Cove in Portland on June 1

ITNPortland held its annual Walk for Rides at the Back Cove in Portland on June 1. The weather cooperated and we had a great turnout of individuals and teams who walked around the bay in support of the organization, with an especially strong showing from our friends at the Iris Network.

We are grateful to our national sponsor, Liberty Mutual, and our local major event supporters, including Hannaford, Gorham Savings Bank, Piper Shores, Wright Express, AAA Northern New England and Scarborough Downs, as well as the many other businesses and families who support ITNPortland and dignified transportation for seniors and those with visual impairments.

Give yourself – and an older adult – a lift

Please click here to listen to a message about how easy it is to volunteer with ITN. Whether you drop off a member on your way to work, or help an older neighbor run an errand, a little bit of your time makes a world of difference. Sponsored by the Maine Medical Center's Geriatric Center.

Economic Impact of ITNPortland Increases 149%
Westbrook, ME, April 7, 2008

The economic impact of having an Independent Transportation Network affiliate has risen sharply in the last five years. Members of ITNPortland will spend an estimated $806,036 annually in the Greater Portland community. Increases in ridership and the consumer price index account for this increase, calculated in 2003 at $322,797 and now revised to $806,036. Riders are 65 years or older and those with visual impairments who might otherwise not be able to travel, shop and make their medical appointments.

"Older people are a vital part of the local economy," said ITNAmerica Executive Director Katherine Freund, "but if they cannot leave their homes, it is difficult for them to make an impact."

Research shows that non-driving seniors make 15% fewer trips to the doctor and 65% fewer trips for social, family and religious activities. ITN provides door-through-door transportation, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with no restrictions on ride purpose. All rides are in private cars with trained drivers who fold walkers, carry packages and open doors.

No tax payer dollars are used to operate the service, and the fares charged only cover approximately half the cost of the rides. Community support is needed to keep the service affordable, and there is an urgent need for more volunteer drivers. To help, please call 207 854-0505.

Look Who's Driving Now...

Matthew McKenzie

...AAA Northern New England's Matt McKenzie

December 19, 2007 (Westbrook, ME) -- AAA Northern New England's Vice President Matthew McKenzie volunteered to drive seniors for ITNPortland's Look Who's Driving Now campaign. The program puts the spotlight on senior mobility and the unique nonprofit service that provides dignified rides 24/7 in private automobiles in the Greater Portland area.

ITN uses volunteer drivers to provide 25-40 percent of the 17,000 rides they provide annually to seniors and the visually impaired. Volunteer drivers help keep the cost of providing transportation to ITN members affordable. The ride fares cover only approximately half the true expense of the service. Community support makes up the rest.

Volunteers receive mileage reimbursement for part of the ride and transportation credits for the rest. The credits can be saved for the volunteer's own future use, transferred to a loved one, or donated to a low-income senior through the Road Scholarship Program.

For more information on volunteering, or if someone you know needs the service, please call 854-0505 or visit http://www.itnportland.org.

Listen to volunteers tell why they love driving for ITN!
2007, Thanks to the Maine Medical Center.

Cick here to listen to the audio file.