Transportation Finding reliable transportation is a key barrier for the people IOCP serves. The lack of transportation prevents them from finding or upgrading employment, accessing education, improving housing, and enhancing family life. IOCP offers two creative transportation solutions, a Rides Program and the Family Car Initiative for people who need rides to essential services and cars for people who need a car to find and keep a job. During FY2006-07, IOCP also provided $220,000 in assistance for car repairs, gas certificates, bus passes, and other emergency transportation needs. Rides Program The Rides Program provides transportation with volunteer drivers to medical and dental appointments, business appointments and job interviews, and rides for education, including English Language Learning classes. IOCP arranged more than 900 rides this past year. To arrange a ride, call 952-473-2436 at least 48 hours in advance of your appointment. Family Car Initiative In 2007, IOCP launched the Family Car Initiative (FCI) with PRISM (People Responding in Social Ministry) and other suburban outreach agencies in order to recruit used cars and provide low-cost car repair for families who need a car to find or keep a job. The western suburbs, where most new job opportunities are being created, are not well served by public transportation. The families IOCP sees need cars to find and upgrade employment. A reliable car is a key to a family's economic freedom and self-esteem. A reliable car increases family income by 40% and allows 80% of families to forgo public cash assistance. FCI allows donors to deduct fair market value-the maximum tax benefit available. To learn more about FCI and how to donate a car, call 763-529-1860 or go to www.fcifamilycar.org/.

Client Testimonial Jeannie's Story -  Last fall Jeannie graduated and landed a full-time job.Without a car, Jeannie tried to piece together transportation for getting herself to school and her children to day care. But the hassle was too much, and she dropped out. A year later, her case manager at IOCP called to say there was a car for her. "Now I had a way to go back to school and get the rest of my life moving again.  Last fall Jeannie graduated and landed a full-time job."