Giving up keys need not mean giving up independence

“We may be older and choose not to drive, but we still like to go!,” said 86-year-old Kathryn Greene.

Greene and I met for coffee a couple of weeks ago, along with her driver, Sara Jane Rose. Rose is a volunteer with Independent Transportation Network, aka ITN. They had just come from Greene’s weekly appointment at the beauty shop.

A few months ago, Greene decided it was time to give up her car, but she didn’t want to give up her independence. She understood depending on her children to drive her would mean she would go at their convenience, not hers.

So she asked her daughter Donna Powell to investigate all of her options. Greene chose ITN and couldn’t be happier.

ITN is a nonprofit transportation system for older and visually impaired adults. It offers a network of volunteer drivers who provide transportation in private cars with “doorthrough-door, armthrough-arm service.”

Greene uses ITN for church services, doctor appointments, the beauty shop, library, grocery store, club meetings, town hall presentations, visits to friends and family, shopping and appointments with professionals, such as her CPA.

She says, “24 hours advance notice is required, so I must plan ahead, but it has allowed me to keep my independence and go at a time that is best for me. The fares are affordable, and the drivers are younger and offer stimulating conversations. I learn from them, and they have become my friends.”

Driver Rose says she volunteered because she likes helping others and also enjoys the new friendships, as well as occasional perks, like apricot preserves made from fruits of Greene’s own garden.

Defying the statistics

I first heard about Independent Transportation Network from the local board president, Dr. Mark Mellow, who told me statistics show giving up one’s car often results in social isolation and depression.

ITN has affiliates across the country and is funded by donations and grants. There are requirements for the riders and the drivers.

As the word spreads, more people are signing up, which means there is desperate need for more drivers.

For more information on driving or riding, call 602-1558 or go to www. itncentraloklahoma.org.