Summer 2006
20 Years of Commitment, Coordination, & Collaboration
The people who
created what was to
become Ride
Connection have had
an enormous impact
on people’s lives by the
service they built!
Their idea was and still
continues to be cutting edge. Now 20 years
later the concept of coordination has taken
hold nationally. President Bush recently
created a “United We Ride” program within
the Federal Transit Administration to
encourage communities to work together to
coordinate their transportation services. The
Portland region, thanks to TriMet’s vision, has
actively pursued coordinated community
transportation for twenty years. A community
based committee created by TriMet in 1984/85
made up of such people as Earl
Blumenhauer (then city councilman), the late
Bonnie Hayes, former legislator Mary Alice
Ford, and transportation advocate Jan
Campbell, to name a few, advised TriMet that
they could expand their service to older
adults and people with disabilities by
coordinating community based agencies who
were already providing transportation to their
clients. They advised TriMet that if they
provided a foundation under community
based programs with funding, technical
assistance, training, and volunteer recruitment,
they could create a coordinated network of
neighborhood programs. An emphasis on
utilizing the talents of volunteers could
supplement TriMet’s services. In the first full
year of service, just under 12,000 rides were
provided by six community based programs in
FY 1985/86. At the end of FY 2005/06, over
30 community based programs provided
358,500 rides!
Ride Connection is privileged to work with
this wonderful network of community service
providers. One of our providers, Project
Linkage, (now a program of Metropolitan
Family Service), was one of the original service
providers in 1986 and continues to be a very
strong partner in the planning and provision of
transportation services in Multnomah County.
Transportation Reaching People (TRP), a
volunteer transportation program within
Clackamas County’s Social Services
Department, Northwest Portland Ministries,
the American Red Cross, and Northwest Pilot
Project have all been partners in the network
since 1988. That was the year we were
incorporated as a private non-profit called
Volunteer Transportation, Inc.
Continued on Page 2
At the end of fiscal year 2005/2006,
over 30 community based programs
provided over 358,500 rides!
*This publication is available in accessible formats upon request*
A day in the life of Canby
Senior Center
pg_0002
Page 2
The Extra Mile
“We connect people with where they need to go”
In 1999 our name was changed to Ride Connection to better reflect our mission,
“To link accessible, responsive transportation with community needs.”
As more older drivers limit or discontinue driving, and as people with disabilities continue
to require service, Ride Connection and its service providers work closely to plan and
coordinate an array of different transportation services that meet the needs of people
today. We have added travel training to our array of services for those who can utilize the
fixed route bus and MAX light rail systems for at least some of their trips.
Thank you to all of our community service providers and our RideWise volunteers for
their long-standing support and service. We look forward to many years of working
together to create more transportation options for older adults and people with
disabilities.
Elaine M. Wells
20 Years of Commitment (continued)
Community Connections
Ride Connection’s vision: To create independence and community
connections through the gift of mobility.
Service
Dignity
Caring
Mobility
Reliability
Freedom
Volunteering
Giving
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Page 3
The Extra Mile
“We connect people with where they need to go”
The city of Sandy, Oregon is called the
“Gateway to Mount Hood”. The heart of
this small community at the base of
Mount Hood is reflected in the friendly,
smiling faces at the Sandy
Senior Center. The building
itself houses the Department
of Community Services, the
Recreation Department and
the Transit Office for the city
of Sandy. Collaboration and
cooperation are the heart of
this bustling center. Programs
offered by the center include
on-site and home-delivered meals,
health related clinics, help with medical
insurance, legal aid, overnight and day
excursions, exercise classes, and more.
The Sandy Community/Senior Center is
a part of the Clackamas County
Consortium and has been a community
provider with Ride Connection for many
years. Longtime director, Nancy Enabnit,
works closely with many different
partner agencies to explore all the trans-
portation options for seniors in the area.
These unique partnerships are driven by
a commitment to respond to the
transportation needs of the community
in creative and innovative ways.
The Sandy Senior Center, in partnership
with Ride Connection, offers van rides to
seniors 60+ years of age in the Sandy
area for local shopping, medical
appointments, and lunch at the senior
center. Doris, a 94 year old woman who
does not drive, has been coming to the
center for over 20 years. She enjoys
seeing her friends, playing cards and
eating a delicious lunch. Doris reports,
“I am amazed by all the
wonderful services here.
Everyone is eager to help.” She
says that the transportation
provided by the Sandy Senior
Center has made a huge
difference in her life and has
opened up a good social
avenue for her.
The next time you’re headed up to the
mountain, stop by the Sandy Community/
Senior Center located at 38348 Pioneer
Boulevard. The smiling faces on the mural
outside the building might lure you in, but
the smiling faces on the inside will
definitely make you want to come back!
For more information, visit:
http://www.ci.sandy.or.us/cs/
senior_center/senior_center.htm
Provider Highlight: Sandy Community/Senior Center
Doris (l) and Eleanor take a break
from their card game before
lunch at the center
Peggy returns home after
lunch at the center
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Page 4
The Extra Mile
“We connect people with where they need to go”
Beaverton Chamber of Commerce
Ride Connection makes community connections in the
Washington County area through its membership with the
Beaverton Chamber of Commerce. Ride Connection’s
membership set wheels in motion.
After presenting at a chamber “Coffee Connection” last fall,
Jennifer Sundsted, Ride Connection Outreach Specialist, invited
fellow chamber member Sue Pike to join her on a Ride Along
with the American Red Cross in King City. During the Ride Along,
Jennifer accepted an invitation to become an Ambassador with the chamber. Through
her leadership role as a Beaverton Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, Jennifer
networks with the business community and invites members to join in Ride
Connection’s vision to create independence and community connections through the
gift of mobility.
One of the chamber members is now giving the gift of mobility. Robyn Hartmeyer is a
real estate agent with Vincent Properties. She began as a volunteer driver with
Northwest Portland Ministries in April. Robyn enjoys knowing that giving these rides
really does make a difference in someone’s life. Robyn says the riders are very
appreciative and she is happy to help.
It all begins with an invitation…
You, too can become a volunteer driver like Robyn, contact Patty McNally, our
Volunteer Recruiter at 503-528-1738 or at
volunteer@rideconnection.org
Washington County Rider Highlights:
Gonzala Lira lives in rural
Washington County and
doesn’t drive, but that does
not prevent her from staying
active and connected to her
community. She has been
using the Washington County
U-Ride service for nearly five
years. She uses U-Ride
services weekly to get to
medical appointments, to her part time
job as a homecare worker, and to the
aquatic center in Forest Grove
for therapy treatments.
Gonzala says that she is
grateful for the wonderful
drivers with PacifiCAB who
help her get to where she
needs to go.
When asked what the
Washington County U-Ride
program means to her, Gonzala replied
with a smile, “My freedom”.
Gonzala Lira stands beside a
PacifiCAB vehicle
Jennifer Sundsted dons the
red vest of Beaverton
Chamber ambassadors
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Page 5
The Extra Mile
“We connect people with where they need to go”
The Washington County U-Ride program provides transportation services to older
adults, persons with disabilities, and the general public including commuters. U-Ride is
a shared ride system designed to provide a partial solution to the absence of public
transportation in rural west Washington County. The service area for the program
includes all of Washington County west of 185
th
Avenue.
The Washington County U-Ride service began in May 2000. Since then it has provided
over 200,000 rides for purposes such as employment, medical appointments, shopping,
and recreation. Substantial funding reductions have forced Ride Connection to redesign
the current U-Ride service. With the help of community input, a new service has been
created aimed at sharing more rides and increasing the number of rides provided by
volunteer drivers.
Without volunteers, Ride Connection and its service partners could not survive. Our
volunteers are among the best trained, most committed volunteers in the community.
Daily, they give the gift of mobility to older adults and people with disabilities. Our
drivers understand the need for their riders to get to their destinations safely. We
appreciate their dedication and effort.
To become a volunteer driver, you must meet the following criteria:
•
23 years of age with five or more years of driving experience.
•
Pass a criminal background check
•
Have a DMV record with no more than two traffic violations or preventable
collisions within the past three years
Volunteers receive ongoing training and support.
Do you live or work in the Washington County area?
Sign up to be a volunteer driver with one of our community service
providers. Ride Connection invites you to help create independence by
giving the gift of mobility to your neighbors. Join a growing number of
volunteers who are committed to mobility and independence for seniors
and people with disabilities.
Please contact Patty McNally, our Volunteer Recruiter at 503-528-1738 or
email
volunteer@rideconnection.org
for more information.
New Washington County U-Ride Service Aimed at Providing More Rides
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Page 6
The Extra Mile
“We connect people with where they need to go”
RideWise is a collaborative effort between TriMet and Ride Connection
to promote independent travel of seniors and people with disabilities by
providing access to information, training and support.
Barbara Emmett, Guest Services Supervisor at
Russellville Park, called our offices in May with an
intriguing idea. Barbara worked with the RideWise
program previously to give her residents some real
hands-on, practical experience using public
transportation, but thought that it would be nice to
encourage older adults to ride the MAX by creating
a fun activity for them to attend on Saturdays.
In June, RideWise and Russellville Park partnered to
launch a pilot program called “Saturday Adventures.”
Russellville Park is a beautiful setting suited to adults 55 years and better and is located
in close proximity to Portland’s extensive light rail transit system. Each Saturday, since
June, a group meets at Russellville Park to set out on a new adventure. Barbara
coordinates where the group should go and a volunteer Ride Ambassador from Ride
Connection assists them with getting there. The group has already taken a number of
trips including trips to the Airport, Portland’s Saturday Market, the Oregon Zoo, and the
Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center. The focus of the program isn’t necessarily where
they are going, but how they get there. Residents are getting out in the community,
trying a new form of transportation and having a day full of fun.
If you are interested in starting a rider’s group like the Saturday Adventure at
Russellville, or live close to 102
nd
and Burnside and would like to join up with this
group, contact Mike Mullins at 503-528-1743.
Volunteer Opportunity
The RideWise program has been growing very quickly. With the increased number of
referrals and the Saturday Adventure Program, the RideWise program is looking for
more Ride Ambassador volunteers. Volunteer positions available are Travel Trainer,
Transportation Advocate, and Co-Presenter.
If you, or someone you know would like to become a volunteer please contact Patty
McNally, our Volunteer Recruiter at 503-528-1738 or at
volunteer@rideconnection.org
Saturday Adventures come to NE Portland
Russellville Park residents out on an
Adventure
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Page 7
The Extra Mile
“We connect people with where they need to go”
December 1, 2006
11:30—1:00
Doubletree Lloyd
Center
Save the date!
2006 Annual Luncheon
Ride Connection Staff update
We continue to grow, and as we grow,
we’re fortunate to have talented people
join us. Welcome to these new Ride
Connection staff members!
?
Miranda Lopez,
Service Specialist
?
Christina Turner,
Ri d e W i s e Tra ve l Tra i n e r
?
Devon Driscoll,
Ri d e W i s e Tra ve l Tra i n e r
East County U-Ride provides
essential transportation to medical
and personal appointments for
seniors and persons with disabilities
living in East Multnomah County.
Serving Gresham, Troutdale,
Corbett, Fairview, & Wood Village
Interested in using this service?
We offer door-to-door
transportation to seniors and people
with special needs due to limited
mobility or other disabilities.
To schedule a ride call:
503.226.0700
Interested in volunteering?
Volunteer drivers are greatly needed.
Volunteers receive:
•
Mileage Reimbursement
•
Supplemental Insurance Coverage
•
Orientation and Training
Please contact Ride Connection’s
Volunteer Recruiter at 503.528.1738
pg_0008
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PORTLAND, OR
PERMIT 495
3220 N Williams Ave
Portland, OR 97227
503.528.1720
Fax 503.493.7431
To link accessible, responsive transportation with community needs
Return Service Requested