IMPRUVE is the Assumed Name of BNICEH, the Black Network In Children's Emotional Health
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.
WE WILL NOT BE SILENT
Like an oak we bend, but do not break
IMPRUVE
No Wheels Left Behind
Taxi Group of 230 Wheelchair taxi drivers in Chicago co-founded by Abdelsamad Ali and Richard Essien. No Wheels Left Behind will be present at RDA meeting on February 17, 2020 at 5:30 pm. See calendar. A falafel meal will be provided by Abdelsamad for those who RSVP by Feb. 15, 2020.
Find them on the What's Up App, but they soon plan to have their own app, too, for their services. They provide meals to homeless persons and tenants in the Lawson YMCA on Chicago Ave. They provide emergency rides to disabled persons and seniors.
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 Open Taxi or if you do not have a paratransit ride. Give at least a 2-hour notice to Richard 312-597-3188. He will try to find a driver if he is unavailable. If not an immediate emergency, give a 1- to 2-day notice to Abdel aka Ali 773-905-3141, even if you do not have funds to pay.
Actions by Rider-Driver Alliance with IMPRUVE, 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 has appeared in Empire, The Chi, and Chcago PD on Fox, cable, 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.
"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
Our Next RDA Meeting is Monday February 17, 2020 with a complimentary falafel meal. Please RSVP. 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 or wheelchair taxis or Metra or RTA. Click on calendar date for details.
Our Next RDA Meeting Monday February 17, 2020
Our Calendar
Attention: Rider-Driver Alliance in Danger of Being Shut Down
We Need An Administrative Assistant and 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
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Past Events - Highlights
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 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.
Are you grateful?
2020: 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, 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 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
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
Tentative Date: December 27, 2020 (details TBA)
Next RDA Meeting Monday February 17, 2020
Show your Support
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
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.
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
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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.
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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 to RSVP
773-544-9488
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 for 25-30 Persons
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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
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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 in December thru January 1
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National Giving Months for BNICEH and IMPRUVE
are November and December
We Need Your Help and Your Complaints, Comments
We Need Volunteers, New Members, New Directors
A New President-CEO
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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 Had A Voting Representative on Pace Board
Commissioner Karen Tamley of MOPD (Mayor's Office for People With Disabilities) was 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. Who will replace her 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 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. 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 2020 if a new grant or funding is secured.
Temp Position - IMPRUVE
Administrative Assistant INTERNSHIP has not reopenedyet 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 2020 or 2021. Call 773-916-6228 Or email ResearchandYouthProjects@impruve.org
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 who runs the home services group called Tuff-Ass, which stands for Taskforce United for Attendant Services or TUF-AS; it deals with the issues of persons who are disabled having personal assistants who are paid by DRS (Division of Rehab Services of IDHS).
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
