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“Linking accessible responsive transportation with community need”

Imagine an older adult or person living with a disability having access to reliable trans-

portation from his or her home. Whether someone lives in an urban, suburban or rural

setting, mobility and independence are greatly enhanced when reliable transportation

Ride Connection is pleased to work with 31 service providers in Multnomah, Clacka-

mas, Washington and Clark counties. The gift of mobility becomes real when an indi-

vidual receives a ride with one of our service providers. We would also like to ac-

knowledge the many, many people who support our important transportation work:

volunteer owned vehicles. Our service providers continue to face challenges and

create innovative solutions to keep our transportation network thriving.

Our community-based “at-large” providers in-

creased rides from 162,324 to 163,866. The larg-

est increase for a provider was East County Minis-

Clark County U-Ride provided 2,561 rides during

the year, exceeding our United Way goal by more

drivers for a total of 685 active drivers and 18 con-

“Linking accessible, responsive transportation with community need”

A total of 84 vehicles were inspected this year. Our compliance department

works with service providers to schedule vehicles for inspection and service.

We facilitated and conducted 90 trainings to service providers and staff.

Our website now includes secure donation forms, a “Give the Gift of Mobility”

We purchased, installed and implemented new financial software. We feel it

will be an excellent tool that will expand our capabilities.

We developed trainee and trainer reports for our RideWise program, to better

We installed and fully implemented a new scheduling software (RouteMatch)

RideWise, previously known as Mobility Support Services, helps older adults and

people living with disabilities travel safely and independently using public trans-

portation. RideWise evaluates individual needs and brings a personalized ap-

Ride Connection’s network of services continues to expand, and we are ex-

tremely grateful to our community partners for their support, innovative ideas and

Throughout Multnomah, Clark, Clackamas and Washington

Counties, Ride Connection’s service providers continue to

build an important network of transportation for older adults

and people living with disabilities. Together with Ride Connec-

tion’s training, service and technology support, service provid-

ers offer reliable, safe and accessible transportation to people

“Linking accessible, responsive transportation with community need”

Ride Connection recognized the need for expanded

medical transportation services in Clark County,

Washington. By working with Human Services Coun-

cil, RSVP, Catholic Community Services, the Ameri-

can Cancer Society, and the Greater Vancouver Inter-

faith Association, we were able to identify the needs

for transportation in Vancouver and outlying areas of

Clark county. The goal in Clark County is to improve

the health, safety and independence of older adults

and people living with disabilities through collaborative

efforts with service providers. Together, we will

strengthen the network of transportation services by

identifying new community partners and new volun-

We are appreciative of the support we received from

public agencies and nonprofit organizations during the

grant application process. Our WSDOT grant for

$48,200 to purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

We look forward to working with individuals and or-

ganizations in Clark County. It is our desire to expand

our community contacts, and build a strong group of

supporters to ensure continuation of this essential

Ride Connection’s community providers represent a broad spectrum of excellent or-

ganizations who give the gift of mobility in four counties in the Portland metropolitan

area. Ride Connection’s providers continue to offer service excellence to older adults,

people living with disabilities and low income job seekers.

As we continue to tell our story about riders, community providers and volunteers, we

are pleased to say that we make new friends who can help us build a stronger net-

work of transportation advocates and supporters.

Recent additions to our network of community supporters include:

Each new person or organization helps us spread the word about Ride Connection’s

important work. They make vital community connections. We are grateful for their

“Linking accessible, responsive transportation with community need”

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and TriMet provide a substantial

amount of our funding. This funding helps strengthen the backbone of our transporta-

tion service. Ride Connection seeks additional funds to broaden our base of support.

We seek support through grant proposals, corporate sponsorship and long term giv-

We invite people to get acquainted with us, go for a ridealong in one of our communi-

ties, and learn more about the increasing need for transportation that serves older

Our Annual Luncheon gives us the opportunity to talk about how we give the gift of

mobility in our communities. It is Ride Connection’s chance to highlight the essential

work of our community providers. Ride Connection invites and adds new luncheon

sponsors each year. Both a silent auction and a giving opportunity during the event

allow attendees to make a financial contribution to help continue our important trans-

portation service. We are happy to have an active luncheon committee to support our

“Linking accessible, responsive transportation with community need”

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“Linking accessible, responsive transportation with community need”

Thank you for your support! We are deeply grateful to the many individuals, businesses and

foundations that support Ride Connection. Your generosity and support are critical in helping our

to linking accessible transportation with community need

recognize all cash gifts received between July 1, 2004 and June 30, 2005. We kindly request you

notify us of any corrections to this list by calling us at 503.528.1726.