Senator Collins' Remarks at ITN America Dinner

Press Release

The story of ITN America is truly remarkable. When Katherine's young son was seriously injured by an elderly driver, she reacted in a way that was unusual. A better word would be inspiring. Rather than lash out at the driver, she recognized the underlying problem -- a transportation system that failed to meet the needs of an aging population.

From that keen insight, a powerful national movement was born. Since its inception here in Portland more than a decade ago, ITN America now has 16 affiliates across the nation providing an effective, community-based solution to the mobility needs of our seniors and the visually impaired. Last summer, ITN America passed a great milestone with its 300,000th ride. The false choice between homebound isolation or posing a threat to one's self and others is being answered with compassion, ingenuity, and a lot of hard work.

The vision of mobility for all is being made real by an army of volunteer drivers, a fleet of donated vehicles, and generous local support. All of you here tonight do so much more than open car doors. You enable friendships to endure and relieve families of the burden of worry. You help build stronger communities by helping the elderly and impaired remain active. You could say that ITN America gives our entire society a lift.

I am delighted to be part of this team. In 2003, I secured $300,000 in federal funding to support the development of the Independent Transportation Network here in Portland and the self-sustaining model being replicated throughout the country today. My amendment to the Older Americans Act authorizes the establishment of sustainable transportation pilot programs built on the ITN America model, and I continue to advocate for funding so that this proven success can expand not only to other cities, but also to our underserved rural areas.

There is no better place to celebrate this success than here at the Back Bay Grill -- one of my favorite restaurants -- and in the name of Katherine's brother, Joel Freund. For many years, Portlanders came here for double helpings of Joel's great food and warm hospitality. For many years to come, Portlanders will remember Joel for his caring, giving spirit.

Last spring, as Katherine was preparing for this year's 24-Hour Walk for Rides, she came to Washington and I had the pleasure of joining her for a brief walk. Let me tell you, even though I knew the terrain better, she's tough to keep up with.

The beauty of ITN America is that those things that are precious to us all do not change as the years pass, and you help keep them all within reach. Thank you, and congratulations for this great accomplishment.

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