ITNCoastalCT Receives Challenge Grant from the Fairfield County Community Foundation

/For Immediate Release/ - FAIRFIELD, CT, June 24, 2013 -ITNCoastalCT announced today a $12,500 one-to-one challenge grant award from the Fairfield County Community Foundation, the region’s community foundation, to support scholarship assistance for the regional ride program for senior citizens and visually impaired adults.

 Mary Ellen Marpe, Fundraising Chair of ITNCoastalCT commented, "This matching grant from a Fairfield County Community Foundation donor-advised fund will allow our organization to help more low-income adults and to expand our reach into the communities we serve. I'd like to especially acknowledge the staff of the Fairfield County Community Foundation, but most especially Juanita James, CEO & President, Karen Brown, MPA, Vice President of Programs, and Nancy Von Euler, MPA, Program Director, for their continued help and support of our mission."

 ITNCoastalCT, an affiliate of ITNAmerica®,is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax exempt, member-supported organization that provides transportation to seniors (60+) and visually impaired adults. It operates within and between the six town area of Easton, Fairfield, Norwalk, Weston, Westport, and Wilton, using a roster of paid and volunteer drivers.

 In early 2009 Westport Department of Human Services social worker Maybeth Wirz was researching additional transportation options and came across ITNAmerica®.After further study an advisory committee and then a steering committee were formed. Under their hard work and determination initial funding was secured and incorporation was completed in spring 2009. The awarding of non profit status for this initiative took place in summer 2010 and affiliation with ITNAmerica® was finalized in the fall of 2010. ITNCoastalCT began offering rides that November. To date the service has provided 8,000 rides to over 150 members.

 ITNAmerica® has a network of 23 affiliates nationwide providing safe, affordable transportation in private automobiles for seniors and visually impaired adults. The service is available anytime, for any purpose, and enables older people to have safe driving alternatives. ITN drivers provide arm-through-arm, door-through-door service. 

 The Fairfield County Community Foundation promotes the growth of community and regional philanthropy to improve the quality of life throughout Fairfield County. Individuals, families, corporations and organizations can establish charitable funds or contribute to existing funds. The Foundation also provides philanthropic advisory services, and develops and leads initiatives to tackle critical community issues. It is in compliance with the Council on Foundations’ national standards for community foundations. The Foundation has awarded $151 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond. For more information, visit www.fccfoundation.org.