LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The Independent Transportation Network offers rides to seniors and adults with visual impairments anywhere in Fayette and northern Jessamine counties. To be able to continue to offer these services, the network is asking for your help.
Even though their ability to drive declines, older folks still have places to go and things to do. And the independent transportation network takes care of that.
COVID-19 has changed the way volunteers help, but now the assistance is needed more than ever before.
"Right now, we are doing predominantly medical rides. Which is the flip of what it would be in non-COVID times.," said Jennifer Gripshover, executive director of Independent Transportation Network said. "Typically, we would be doing social visits, we would be doing hair appointments, all of those things."
Charles Coulston said he's been volunteering with ITN for more than six years. He said it's the people he's met while driving that keeps him coming back.
"They come from all over, usually to be with children," Coulston said. "Some of them have grown up here and spent their lives so they've seen a lot of changes in Lexington. And that's interesting to talk about."
And the organization needs more volunteers to drive.
"It's people helping people. It means that you're not calling an Uber, you're getting somebody who is there, who is donating their time because they care," Gripshover said.
Visit the organization's website if you are interested in volunteering.
