WE WILL NOT BE SILENT
Please DO Not Let This Organization Go Out of Business
Funds Needed ASAP. ​No Amount Too Small. $10-30 from 600 People or $50 from 120 will allow us to assist more people who have experienced low energy trauma or need quantum radionic tones and simple things like quality emotional or spiritual or nutritional support.
Since Feb. 2000, paratransit riders have been standing up for their rights and the rights of wheelchair taxi riders
and those who ride fixed route accessible transit.
IMPRUVE is the Assumed Name of BNICEH, the Black Network In Children's Emotional Health.
Do
We are hosted by BNICEH, which helps the disabled people, senior and youth community, too. During the shutdown, we still support Reparations for people of Afrikan descent and restoral of quantum energy balance and health that is not based on chemical warfare and questionable methods that neither provide wellness nor restore order to chaos in the mind and body. But we need funds to continue our work. Donate via PayPal donate button or paypal.com to [email protected] Contact office2.solexnation.com - User name Optimized Maat
WE WILL NOT BE SILENT
WE WILL NOT BE SILENT
Like an oak we bend, but do not break
IMPRUVE​​
No Wheels Left Behind is on hiatus until further notice
No Wheels Left Behind is on hiatus until further notice
No Wheels Left Behind is a Taxi Group of 230 Wheelchair taxi drivers in Chicago co-founded by Abdelsamad Ali Taxi 831 and Richard Essien Taxi 404. They partner with IMPRUVE through the RDA (Rider-Driver Alliance).
Abdelsamad Ali was guest speaker present at RDA meeting on February 17, 2020 at 5:30 pm. See calendar. A falafel meal was provided by Ali.
You may find No Wheels Left Behind on the What's Up App, but they plan to have their own app, too, for their services. They have provided meals to homeless persons and tenants in the Lawson YMCA on Chicago Ave. They have provided emergency rides to disabled persons and seniors.
No Wheels Left Behind is a Taxi Group of 230 Wheelchair taxi drivers in Chicago co-founded by Abdelsamad Ali Taxi 831 and Richard Essien Taxi 404. They partner with IMPRUVE through the RDA (Rider-Driver Alliance).
Abdelsamad Ali was guest speaker present at RDA meeting on February 17, 2020 at 5:30 pm. See calendar. A falafel meal was provided by Ali.
You may find No Wheels Left Behind on the What's Up App, but they plan to have their own app, too, for their services. They have provided meals to homeless persons and tenants in the Lawson YMCA on Chicago Ave. They have provided emergency rides to disabled persons and seniors.
They will no longer provide free rides, but once they are active again, you may call in an emergency when you are stranded or have a health appointment or event or meeting to attend and cannot get a WAV driver to respond through CURB or if you do not have a paratransit ride. In the past, one could give at least a 3-hour notice to Richard 312-597-3188. He would try to find a driver if he was unavailable. If it was not an immediate emergency, one could give a 1 to 2-day notice to Abdel aka Ali 773-905-3141.
We pray for a return to success and prosperity for all taxi and paratransit drivers and taxi owners who have been negatively affected by city and state shutdowns, yet provided the best of services for riders regardless of their location and the economy.
May the people be blessed , housed and fed abundantly. May the community of PWDs (persons who are disabled) enjoy adequate and accessible transportation according to their needs.
Urgent - ALL RDA meetings online or by phone cancelled until further notice.
- No Longer Available On Saturday
- 1:30-3 pm by
- Zoom
ID: 861-509-2848
Dial in number:
312-626-6799 (Chicago)
Password: 7A2asP
To Donate With Paypal, Click on Donate Button
To Donate With Paypal, Click on Donate Button
"Being disabled is not a penalty nor a gift. Those who have mobility limitations, whether they ride in wheelchairs or not, are entitled to accessible transportation of their own choosing that meets their need. IMPRUVE and the Rider-Driver Alliance (RDA) choose to establish our own rider-owned paratransit, so that we have an alternative when we are left behind by Pace, CTA or other transit services."
"Being disabled is not a penalty nor a gift. Those who have mobility limitations, whether they ride in wheelchairs or not, are entitled to accessible transportation of their own choosing that meets their need. IMPRUVE and the Rider-Driver Alliance (RDA) choose to establish our own rider-owned paratransit, so that we have an alternative when we are left behind by Pace, CTA or other transit services."
Dr. Ayo Maat, former president-CEO of BNICEH, IMPRUVE
Dr. Ayo Maat, former president-CEO of BNICEH, IMPRUVE
Northside Action
for Justice
Northside Action
for Justice
NA4J
Member of Alliance for Community Services
NA4J
Member of Alliance for Community Services
This nonprofit community-based social justice group is raising funds for their COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund aka Emergency Solidarity Fund. They are distributing food , gloves and whatever needs of seniors and NA4J members that they can meet.
Kudos to Marc Kaplan for his early assistance to seniors and disbled persons. For donations: To Donate funds, go to actionforjustice.org or call (312) 401-1350 or e-mail at [email protected] for problems in your building
Our Last RDA Meeting was Saturday June 27, 2020
. We shall continue UNLESS THE PROJECT IS SHUT DOWN DUE TO LACK OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT. Wear or purchase your RDA tshirt to wear at meetings involving the paratransit or CTA, wheelchair taxis, Metra or RTA. Click on calendar date for details.
Calendar Agenda: Fund raising
Calendar Agenda: Fund raising
Attention: Rider-Driver Alliance in Danger of Being Shut Down
Attention: Rider-Driver Alliance in Danger of Being Shut Down
We Need An Administrative Assistant to help with Correspondence,
Monitor Emails, Plan Fundraising, and Create Newsletter Content.
IMPRUVE has positions on its joint board for 3 New Directors
to Serve for 3-Year Terms
___________________________________________________
Past Events - Highlights
IMPRUVE at the 16th Disability Pride Parade on Sat. July 20, 2019. Youth marched with us. We had Taxi drivers to transport people who cannot march the full distance. Free to marchers and attendees. All vehicle owners or drivers paid $25 city-required license fee to drive in the parade. All vehicles were decorated before the parade began. Lineup 10 am at Van Buren and Plymouth. Parade kicks off at 11 am. Donations were welcomed by IMPRUVE and BNICEH, our parent company and the Disability Pride Parade key organizers. Visit www.disabilityprideparade.org for more information on the parade. Not in person until shutdown is over.
IMPRUVE Members and Volunteers In Active Service to 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. Cecelia Jackson (right) hanging in there. Not home yet, but doing better.
Are you grateful?​
2021: 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
WE Supported $116 million Pace capital budget
Rocky Donahue, Pace CEO as of March 1, 2019
He worked 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 did seek separate funds to buy almost 1000 new vehicles, not the cutaway vans of SCR and MV that are injurious to clients with bone, joint, nerve 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 drivers 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 were also welcome to RDA meetings in the past every 3rd Monday from 5:30-7:30 pm at Access Living. LIVING NOW CLOSED. Remote access. For IMPRUVE, RSVP to President Jeanette Exom 773-703-8412 or [email protected]
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Rider-Driver Alliance
- Voted to Unite
Paratransit Riders and Drivers Again
No IN-person meetings until further notice
ACCESS LIVING Closed Due to Concerns Over COVID-19
and City/Sttae Shutdowns and Restrictions
Our Meetings were 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
Tentative Date: December 27, 2020 (details TBA)
Next RDA Meeting is online July 11, 2020
Show your Support
Join Zoom ConferenceOnline or by Phone
ID 861 509 2848
Phone: 312-626-6799
PW: 7A2asP
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
Logo for Rider-Driver Alliance
RDA is a Project of IMPRUVE
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
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. Interim President is Jeanette Exom. No new CEO yet.
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 ??
TBA: Depending on funds, 10 persons will receive Quantum energy support for well-being
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
BNICEH is the Black Network In Children's Emotional Health
SAVE IMPRUVE
DONATE NOW
VOLUNTEER NOW
JOIN NOW
The annual meeting changed locations as of 2018.
Secretary to RSVP
New Secretary to Be Announced
TBA
Save the date: December 27, 2020
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
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
_______________________________________
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
___________________
We generally observe these events: Fat Tuesday (aka Mardi Gras), Black History Month in February, Womens' History Month in March, Juneteenth on June 16th, Chicago Disability Pride Parade in July and Kwanzaa December 26 thru January 1
We generally observe these events: Fat Tuesday (aka Mardi Gras), Black History Month in February, Womens' History Month in March, Juneteenth on June 16th, Chicago Disability Pride Parade in July and Kwanzaa December 26 thru January 1
_____________________________________________________
National Giving Months for BNICEH and IMPRUVE
are Now Every Month January-December
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 773-544-9488 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 the 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
To volunteer, request volunteer application. Can receive here
https://form.jotform.com/63363199755165 Call 773-703-8412 or 773-416-7366 or CLICK Contacts Tab above to email or CLICK COMMENTS Tab to leave a comment WE NEED VOLUNTEERS NOW
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. In 2020, 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 working with Paratransit Coalition and Pace ADA Advisory Council.
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 Had A Voting Representative on Pace Board
Commissioner Karen Tamley has left MOPD (Mayor's Office for People With Disabilities) to assume leadership as CEO of Access Living. Wonderful. She was a voting member on the Pace board of directors. Chicago has the largest ridership of NE IL. However, a fair share of funds come from suburban mayors and township presidents. Who will replace heron Pace board and MOPD as Commissioner is critical!
The images (photos) change that are below the heading 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 as needed TBA. 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 (CEO salary can be paid when funds dictate it).
SPEAK OUT, STAND UP - VOICE PARATRANSIT CONCERNS. No need to be Silent whether a Driver or a Rider. Report to CEO of Pace Rocky Donahue. Help provided by phone, email, or come to meetings. Pace 847-228-4226 rocky.donahue@pacebus.com
Chairman of Pace ADA Chicago Advisory Council is Kerry Moore
Jobs- Employment
IMPRUVE Project: Rider-Driver Alliance
Organizer Jobs Closed 12-15-16 . Will Reopen when funding is renewed.
Apply for organizer jobs online. Two-5 organizers may be needed for 2020-2024. Stipend: started at $15 an hour in 2017, 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 2021 if a new grant or funding is secured.
Temp Position - IMPRUVE
Administrative Assistant INTERNSHIP has not reopened yet for pay. Will be a stipend when it reopens, then a paid position once funded.
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 Wellness Fair. Do MailMerge. Closes March 1, 2018 5 People Needed. May reopen in 2021 or 2022. Call 773-916-6228 Or email ResearchandYouthProjects@impruve.org
Questions about Central WAV Dispatch - CURB Took Over from Open Taxi July 1, 2020
Join Rider-Driver Alliance and Let's Explore How to Advocate for the Service WE Need
Note: IMPRUVE asked that BACP Retain Open Taxi in December, Again in February
BACP Chose CURB in June 2020 effective July 1, 2020. WE need to know why.
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 2020-2021.
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. He runs the home services group called Tuff-Ass, which stands for Taskforce United for Attendant Services or TFAS-IV; it deals with the issues of persons who are disabled having personal assistants who are paid by DRS (Division of Rehab Services of IDHS), and Independent Voices (IV), which addresses issues of former or current nursing home residents. Goal of IV is the get people out of nursing homes and into thei own homes or assisted community living.
Dr. Ayo Maat 773-416-7366 (project manager, meeting coordinator)
Email: [email protected] - On hold
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 (IL Single Payer Coalition) at Disability Pride Parade Lineup with ADAPT, IMPRUVE: Wm Owens, Anne Scheetz, Susan Aarup, Maat and others July 23, 2016
May 2020: We celebrate the life of William Owens who passed on from earthly life. He was a volunteer with IMPRUVE and so many other disability advocacy groups.