IMPRUVE                     

 


 

         WE WILL NOT BE SILENT                          
   Like an oak we bend, but do not break
IMPRUVE
   


  • Independent Movement of Paratransit Riders for Unity, Vehicles, Equality
    Founded February 2000  Chicago IL   The photo above is of a paratransit vehicle.  (not owned or operated by IMPRUVE) It is the vehicle of choice for those who require green vehicles or vehicles that have better suspension for those who have muscle, joint, bone and back issues.  
  • Students in IMPRUVE's  Free IT Training
    Fighting Poverty With Technology 
  • Students in IMPRUVE IT training:  "Fighting Poverty with Technology"
    IMPRUVE co-sponsored with BNICEH "Fighting Poverty with Technology" in 2012. President Ayo Maat taught and helped develop curriculum with Peter Anderson for  this 23-week IT class at Evanston Public Library for Google, HandsOn Tech to seniors, youth and persons who were disabled.   Teaching assistants and guest teachers: Wanda Carter, Rami Maat, R. Ken Turner, Eric B. Horn. Photo on wall underscores the feelings and goals  of most students who attended.  Youngest student was 17, the oldest was 91.
  • Paratransit lift vehicle
    This is not the vehicle of choice for riders who have joint, bone and muscle problems or those who have respiratory issues unless the  vehicle is a clean air vehicle (green) and has a good suspension and tiedown system.  All vehicles, all providers are not created equal.
  • Paratransit Riders Attend Juneteenth Event at UIC with Family Defense Center and BNICEH
    Former board secretary for BNICEH Devon Tripp with son Andrew who also rides paratransit
  • BNICEH-IMPRUVE Celebrate Sat July 23, 2016 with ISPC at Disability Pride Parade Chicago IL
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  • IMPRUVE Vice President and President after 2015 Disability Pride Parade
    Cecelia Jackson and Dr. Ayo Maat. Sign by Muata (aka Rami Maat)
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Actions by Rider-Driver Alliance with IMPRUE,  ADAPT, Alliance for Community Services 

Founder of BNICEH-IMPRUVE calls paratransit riders, supporters and the public to action. We Need Donations and Volunteers Now!

 Disability Pride Parade every July in Chicago is One of Our Summer Highlights













IMPRUVE marches in 

Chicago Disability Pride Parade and has booth space on Daley Plaza 

Thru our parent company BNICEH, We Support Good Health Choices

We look forward to another Wellness Fair in Summer or Fall, 2019 with Dr. Frank Yurasek, L. Ac,  TCM  on Auricular Therapy.  Spring Wellness Fair was phenomenal on 
April 8, 2017. There were a few demonstrations of healing by Sujee (aka Sugee hand therapy)  performed by Dr. Yurasek.  Did you attend? If not, we have a Powerpoint on some speaker bios and Dr. Maat's Aromatherapy slides are available for a small donation of $5, Free to IMPRUVE members whose dues are paid and available free to CDAC members who did attend.  High school Youth:  $3. See next panel (top right) on how to donate for National Giving. For nutritional information, contact Dr. Maat at [email protected] For auricular therapy/massage,  Chinese herbal consultation, contact Yoshinao, MSOM at Asian Bodywork Unlimited.  She is on facebook and travels  in Chicago and near north suburbs for $80 plus transportation costs. Auricular therapy treats over 200 diseases. For acupuncture, Tui Na, medical Qigong,  contact Dr. Frank Yurasek, L.Ac.  Vets may find him in Pain Clinic at Stroger Hospital.  Private offices in Riverside IL [email protected] www.acuwerks.com https://docs.google.com/document/d/1In6rC8HyGc34XejJ4Hdnl6FfK9fcFNWj6-mh9TxYJp8/pub

IMPRUVE participates in social justice actions

NPPMA annual rally - memorial for paratransit riders who have made their transition from human life;  protest of poor services locally and nationally 

Paratransit rally at IL state building for  call for return of Chicago Paratransit to CTA , then rider-owned paratransit. NPPMA annual memorial to paratransit riders and former members or directors of BNICEH -IMPRUVE who have made their transition from earthly life. Actress-activist Miss Ramissa who recently appeared in Empire and Chcago PD on Fox and NBC respectively and David Banner's "Walking With Gods" on YouTube invites you to join IMPRUVE and paratransit rders and drivers to join Rider-Driver Alliance (RDA), a project of IMPRUVE. IMPRUVE members are automatically RDA members.

Special Actions with Workers for Worker Rights

No Fly Zone rally on way to Midway Airport and IMPRUVE members  unable to cross street due to no curb cuts.  Was In Support of Workers Center for Racial Justice.

Attention:  Rider-Driver Alliance in Danger of Being Shut Down

Disability Pride Parade
  
Hey, We're Marching Saturday  July 20, 2019
Parade 11am-Noon
Daley Plaza Vendors, Festivities for All   12-2pm 

 March With Us. Or Drive Marchers Who Can't March. We Need Volunteers, Marchers, W/C Taxi Drivers, Youth
Visit Our Booth On Daley Plaza After 9:30am or After Noon 
8:30 am.  Parade Site 10 am. 

Young Children, Come Blow bubbles with Lucas
Adults, Come Spin the Smokers Roulette Wheel
Win A Prize
Buy a tee shirt, Buy a Button  50 cents to $2
Or Make A Donation, Select A Button

Join us for the 16th Disability Pride Parade on Sat. July 20, 2019.  March with us.  We need Taxi drivers to transport people who cannot march the full distance.Free to marchers and attendees.  All vehicle owners or drivers must pay $25 city-required license fee to drive in the parade.  All vehicles must be decorated before the parade begins.  Lineup 10 am at Van Buren and Plymouth. Parade kicks off at 11 am.  Donation welcome by IMPRUVE and the BNICEH, our parent company and the Disability Pride Parade key organizers.    Contact Cece Jackson 773-544-9488   Visit www.disabilityprideparade.org for more information on the parade.

IMPRUVE Members and Volunteers In Active Service t the Disability, Senior and Black Communities

At Carson's Community Days Prior to Store Closings

You cannot receive a blessing nor give a blessing with closed fists. Gratitude attracts blessings.

Are you grateful?

2019:  Another year to stand up for paratransit and accessible public transit rights and form new alliances between those who ride and those who drive accessible buses, trains, vans, and wheelchair taxis. Join us. Be a voice or give a hand for social justice, human rights, worker rights, public accountability, and the end of fear and procrastination in demanding change, better services, and less discord between riders, drivers and those who are responsible for paratransit funding, statutes, and services. NOW.

 Calling All Paratransit Riders and Drivers, Fixed Route Riders, Too

Join Rider-Driver Alliance in Chicago

Support $116 million Pace capital budget 


Rocky Donahue, new Pace CEO as of March 1, 2019 

is no longer interim director.  He is the new permanent director. He is working with the Paratransit Coalition to get a capital budget  passed to enable Pace to make needed changes to improve routing and real-time  tracking by Trapeze. Pace is also seeking separate funds to buy almost 1000 new vehicles, not the cutaway vans of SCR and MV that are injurious to clients with bone, joint, nrv and muscle pain or issues.


 New!! Pace asked for the help of all riders, drivers and advocates to solve the  problems of paratransit service. Drivers are welcome who are off duty to attend public meetings of Pace on the Paratransit and offer solutions, ideas or submit to Rocky Donahue at Pace. [email protected]  


He also said though he did not know how it would work that he was receptive to listening to us and possibly supporting rider-owned Paratransit!!  


This is a milestone we have worked to reach since 2007- inclusion of all stakeholders--riders and driver especially in improving ontime performance and poor routing, and allowing drivers to suggest better practices and vehicle specifications that would be better for drivers and riders.


He announced that he wanted to hear from drivers, too, at the Disability Rights Consortium meeting Dec. 5, 2018 held from 9:30 am - 11 am (actually went to noon) at Equip for Equality 20 N. Michigan Suite 300 Chicago.  We attended in person and by teleconference. 

 

Reminder!! Riders have always been welcome  to Pace public meetings and RDA meetings. 


Drivers are also welcome to RDA meetings every 3rd Monday from 5:30-7:30 pm at Access Living 115 W. Chicago Ave.  RSVP to Dr. Maat 773-416-7366 or Cecelia Jackson 773-544-9488 or [email protected]


YOU ARE NOT ALONE


Rider-Driver Alliance

Voted to Unite 

Paratransit Riders and Drivers Again 


Our Meetings are held the 3rd Monday

every month except January

5:30-7:30 pm at

Access Living 115 W. Chicago Ave.

Register at 773-416-7366 



Please be on time




IMPRUVE annual meeting and board elections 

December 27, 2019 (details TBA)


Next RDA Meeting Monday August 19, 2019


UNLESS THE PROJECT IS SHUT DOWN DUE TO LACK OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT

 

Show your Support


Wear or purchase your RDA tshirt to wear at meetings involving the paratransit or CTA or wheelchair taxis or Metra or RTA





We are Green, Anti-Violent, and ATOD-free. We Support No GMOs, No Pesticides, No Canola Oil, No Tobacco, No Alcohol, No Abuse of Seniors, Persons Who Are Disabled, Women Children. Please Do Not Bring Guns to Our Events. Please Do Not Smoke Near Persons Who Have Respiratory Issues or Chemical Sensitivities. Thank you for Respect of Human, Transportation, Housing  and Disability Rights. EVERY HUMAN BEING DESERVES A CHANCE AT LIFE & A HIGHER QUALITY OF LIFE ACCORDING TO THEIR NEEDS. Universal Single Payer Healthcare for All is the humane approach to healthcare. 



Since Feb. 20, 2000, we have been the paratransit riders' voice and advocate on the front line, behind the scenes and wherever we were needed to support those who fight for disability rights. We are the original Paratransit Minutemen.

Donate Now!

Logo for Rider-Driver Alliance

RDA is a Project of IMPRUVE 

CEO-President Position Vacant  
Since Fall, 2017
Executive Search Continues for a New CEO-President for BNICEH and IMPRUVE. Dr. Ayo Maat has retired/resigned after 25 years with BNICEH and 17 with IMPRUVE. She temporarily remains as advisor to the Board and Comptroller. CEO-President is not  a salaried position, but expenses are paid.

Will Crosby Calls for No Fare Increase by Pace for Paratransit Riders - Oct. 11, 2017 Outside Pace and Metra Offices at 547 W. Jackson Chicago














IMPRUVE needs volunteers now! And Funds!  HELP!!!



Pace Decided No Fare Increase for 2019


 Only 25 Showed Up at Protest at Pace Chicago Offices

 and Less Than 1% of  Paratransit Riders 

Have Filed Paratransit Surveys!!!


If you Ride 100 times per month, your transportation 

costs may have increased by $300 annually!


To  Help Our Constituents Pay the 25 Cents,  We Need Your Support


 HAVE YOU Seen Our Gofundme Page for 

"Quarters for Paratransit Riders Fare?"

Goal:  $25,000

https://www.gofundme.com/pay-disabled-riders-fare-increase

_________________________________________


What Every Driver Should Know 

What Every Rider Should Know

To Be Republished in 2019-2020


TBA: Paratransit  Coalition May Host a Townhall

 on Your Rights as Riders and Drivers  at Access Living


Review Summary Report by 

Paratransit Coalition of 

Access Living 


Title:  Transportation Delayed 

is Transportation Denied

Call 312-640-2100

Civil Rights Dept. 

_________________________________________


Annual Membership Meeting, Board Elections, and 

Kwanzaa Celebration by Invitation



 IMPRUVE is not Gone. 

It is operated under the auspices of BNICEH

SAVE IMPRUVE

DONATE NOW

VOLUNTEER NOW

JOIN NOW


The annual meeting changed locations as of 2018.

Secretary-Treasurer Joanne Tillis to RSVP 

773-255-2113

 

Save the date: Thu. December 27, 2019


Show Membership Card for Free Admission

Guests Must be pre-registered 

$5 suggested for food for invited guests and 

Members whose dues are unpaid


Only Members Can Nominate and Vote for Directors 

Must turn in Candidate Bios or Resumes By  Dec. 12 

All Members Can Vote and Eat

No Member Turned Away who RSVPs by Dec. 20

and Shows Up on Dec. 27 

Limited Space and Seating for 25-30 Persons

_______________________________________



To File federal complaint or complaint with 

OEIG (Office of Executive Inspector General in Illinois for RTA, CTA, Metra, Pace), contact us 

[email protected] 


We are part of the Paratransit Coalition 

and partner with others:

Access Living, Chicago ADAPT, Equip for Equality, 

Friedman Place, CDAC, PTTP, Rider-Driver Alliance 

___________________

_____________________________________________________

National Giving Months: 

Giving Tuesday is November 26, 2019

Giving Extended to 2019 for BNICEH and IMPRUVE


We Need Your Help and Your Complaints, Comments

We Need Volunteers, New Members, New Directors 

A New President-CEO

_____________________________________________


Many Ways to Give



DONATIONS, VOLUNTEERS, ADVISORS REQUESTED, NEEDED, APPRECIATED. Please GIVE TO IMPRUVE OR BNICEH.  

We No Longer have Support of Bon Ton (Carson's)

They Went Out of Business

nor SparkPlug (Project grant ended Dec 31, 2017)


 


KEEP THE PARATRANSIT MOMENTUM GOING FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE GOOD SERVICE. 

To Donate to IMPRUVE or BNICEH  for Giving  Day or Any Day - Click Yellow Donate button for PayPal - See  below to pay by credit or debit card or check.  You Can Also Pay Dues by PayPal. Just call us at 773-255-2113 or 773-703-8412 to pay dues by gift to PayPal at www.paypal.com our acct: [email protected]  Have a heart.  Love the organization that has worked through the campaigns of IMPRUVE for 19 years on behalf of paratransit riders and th mother company BNICEH that has worked 27 years to promote holistic health and green living and dining, prevention, better mental health, ATOD prevention; and ensured that seniors, youth and persons who are disabled (PWDs)  have equal rights, civil rights and human rights through our advocacy projects.  Show your philanthrophy. GIVE. 


We are supported by volunteers. No major funding. 

Mainly Self-Funded. Give through PayPal to IMPRUVE 


Or give at our FundIMPRUVE Gofundme page.  Goal is $22,000.   http://gofundme.com/2r2syws


To volunteer, request volunteer application.  Can receive here
https://form.jotform.com/63363199755165 Call 773-255-2113 or CLICK Contacts Tab above to email or CLICK COMMENTS Tab to leave a comment

We are a family of paratransit riders working with volunteers, paratransit drivers, and are the foundng host of the Rider-Driver Alliance.  We host an informational booth at the Chicago Disability Pride Parade every July. We are  following a 5 year plan to rebuild the Rider-Driver Alliance (RDA)  through 2022 Beginning 2018, we include CTA riders who are disabled and CTA bus and rail workers from ATU 241 &  308.  TIn 2019, we plan to expand relationships with  wheelchair taxi  drivers. Supported by CDAC (Chicago Disability Activism Collective), IMPRUVE was successful in collecting signatures on its petition for Better Paratransit.  As a result, drivers got increases and services are being improved thanks to new director Rocky Donaghue. 


DON'T FRET. DON'T GIVE UP.  Work with us, the Paratransit Coalition and keep filing complaints anyway with Pace Customer Service. Complaints to carriers go nowhere. 


Better Paratransit Petition Calls for Public Townhall Forum 

Better Paratransit Petition targets in Illinois, not just the governor, but MOPD (Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities), OEIG, FTA, Transportation Committee Chair Alderman Anthony Beale, and House Speaker Mike Madigan. MOPD has been cooperative. 

Anyone can sign. But please identify if you are a paratransit rider or driver. 


Chicago Has A Voting Representative on Pace Board

Commissioner Karen Tamley of MOPD (Mayor's Office for People With Disabilities) expresses that she is a voting member on the Pace board of directors.  Chicago has the largest ridership.  However, a fair share of funds come from suburban mayors and township presidents. 

The images (photos) change that are below the healing hands above when you click the images to left or right.  An arrow will appear left or right. The text and images below or on the side can be enlarged by zooming in.  

Our Mission Statement is found on the Page titled "About."  See tab above left under the healing hands on our banner header above. Click there for Mission statement and to learn Why Us (why we do this, why you should donate to us, why you should volunteer for us, why you should join our board of directors or advisory board).  

Board Meetings
The joint board of IMPRUVE and BNICEH meet on the 1st Tuesday of every month 1-3 pm  at Access Living unless announced otherwise. Closed to non-directors unless you are invited. The Executive Committee meets occasionally with chairpersons of committees and departments and at least annually the advisors meet with the CEO-president.
 CEO-President Position Vacant  Since Fall, 2017
Executive Search Continues for a New CEO-President for BNICEH and IMPRUVE. Dr. Ayo Maat has retired/resigned after 25 years with BNICEH and 17 with IMPRUVE. She temporarily remains as advisor to the Board, and temporary Webmaster and Comptroller.
Not a salaried Position, but expenses paid.

SPEAK OUT, STAND UP,
STOP PARATRANSIT FARE Increase and NEGLIGENCE
File Federal Civil Rights Complaints - No Penalty (see below)
Help provided  by phone or  come to meetings
  
Jobs- Employment 
 IMPRUVE Project:  Rider-Driver Alliance
Organizer Jobs Closed 12-15-16 . Will Reopen in 2018 when funding is renewed. 
Apply for organizer jobs online.  Two-5 organizers may be needed for February-Dec. 2018.  Stipend: at $15 an hour, 20 hours per month for 11 months  Send application with resume, agreement (request agreement for internship).
Click link below to apply.  Organizer Jobs Closed 12-15-16. Will reopen for 2018 if a new grant or funding is secured.
https://form.jotform.com/63312365792155
Temp Position - IMPRUVE
Administrative Assistant INTERNSHIP Reopened Jan. 15, 2018
- small stipend
 
Volunteers, ASL Interpreters and Grantwriters Needed
APPLY NOW!! Call  773-916-6228 
Send application and resume to:
https://form.jotform.com/63312365792155
If hired, will require you  to sign agreement.

Temp Position - IMPRUVE  - To Reopen
Healthy Research Interns to Explore Wellness Vendors and Grants for Wellness Seminars and Training
 
Data Entry-Internet Research Volunteers Needed Work At Home or School for 2 Weeks.  $50 Stipend Or Work Study . H.S. Students Ok. Enter Resources that we will contact for our Summer WellnessFair. Do MailMerge. Closes March 1,  2018 5 People Needed. Call 773-916-6228 Or email: [email protected]



Trouble with Poor Paratransit Service

Let's resolve it 

Join Rider-Driver Alliance. Sign up as a driver or a rider from paratransit, CTA, Pace, or wheelchair taxi. New leadership development training after funding resumes in 2019-2020.
Please note:  we will miss Ryan McGraw. He served 1 year as an organizer with RDA in 2017. He is now an organizer with Access Living.

Dr. Ayo Maat 773-416-7366 (project manager) 
Email: [email protected]

A custom car version of proposed green car powered by solar energy in which solar panes can be installed and nanotechnology used to add doors to satisfy any city's requirement that a NEV (vehicle) have doors.  Working on the issue of wheelchair ramps for passengers and drivers in larger vehicles.  Calling for help from rehab and mechanical engineers. See archives at www.greenthinktankfordisabilitycommunity.blogspot.com

Dr. Ayo Maat, Kerry Washington, Jeanette Exom. Guess where?

 

ISPC at  Disability Pride Parade Lineup with ADAPT, IMPRUVE:  Wm Owens, Anne Scheetz, Susan Aarup, Maat and others July 23, 2016