Here is a favorite non-profit of mine...providing a wonderful service that enhances lives of seniors!

About ITNMontereyCounty

Dignified transportation for seniors 

Beginning its service in 2012, ITNMontereyCounty (itnmontereycounty.org) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides 24 hour/7 days-a-week transportation for seniors (age 60 and older) and visually-impaired adults (age 18 and older) to help them remain independent and active in their community. Supported by members and donors, ITN Monterey County is unique in that it provides arm-through-arm, door-through-door service. 

ITNMontereyCounty currently serves 325 members and has delivered over 25,000 rides in 12 local communities within the greater Monterey and Salinas areas. Volunteers have been trained and background checked, and drive at their convenience in their own cars that are insured and inspected. They give rides that are typically less than 20 minutes. The volunteer drivers find it rewarding, meet interesting people while helping others, plus they earn credits for themselves or a loved one, or receive mileage reimbursement. Seniors may also trade in their automobile for ITN transportation credits. The service, which may be used for any purpose, is often used to get people to and from medical appointments, personal care appointments, recreational activities, and social occasions. The organization, which does not receive any public funding, needs more volunteer drivers and donors. More than 70 million Americans – that’s 1 in 5 – will be over the age of 65 in 15 years, and may start to experience diminished capacity to drive safely.  

According to Aimee Cuda, Executive Director of ITNMontereyCounty, “We are so proud that ITN MontereyCounty is reaching the benchmark of providing its 25,000^th ride and celebrating this achievement with the community. The local seniors we serve and our volunteer drivers enjoy a very special positive synergy. The volunteers develop close relationships with those they drive and derive enormous satisfaction of helping seniors live happier, more independent, lives. 

For more information, to donate your car and to volunteer as a driver, go to itnmontereycounty.org or call (831) 233-3447.