Page 4 - SWTDD ANNUAL REPORT

What is the Senior Volunteer Transportation Network (SVTN)?
The SVTN is a coalition of volunteer transportation programs that serve older adults in Tennessee. While Tennessee had some senior volunteer transportation programs that have operated independently & successfully for several years, 2018 was the first year that a “network” was developed to link these programs in purpose, education, and technical assistance. The opportunity to develop the SVTN was provided through a grant from the Chancery Court in Davidson County.
Pursuant to the settlement of two related Chancery Court cases in Davidson County, Tennessee, approximately $36 million in funding is being granted to six different organizations in the State
for the purposes of implementing statewide initiatives designed to make lives better for older Tennesseans. Through the efforts of the Court and a group of five philanthropic organizations
who provided their expertise, a process was developed to accept and then carefully vet statewide proposals in four specific areas for innovation, ability to implement, and sustainability. The process took almost two years to complete.
What grant made the Senior Volunteer Transportation Network possible?
There were four areas selected based upon statewide need and a history of limited resources. These areas are:
• Senior Legal Assistance
• Senior Affordable Housing • Senior Transportation
• Senior Dental
The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability (TCAD) is overseeing the administration of
the grants. Because of the importance of this effort for older Tennesseans, TCAD and the five philanthropic organizations involved in the distribution of the grants all committed to continuing the work (for no compensation) and oversee these grants so that they achieve their overall purpose.
The Southwest Tennessee Development District applied for and received the Chancery Court grant. SWTDD is the “lead agency” responsible for ensuring the goals and objectives of the transportation grant are met. Partners on the grant include eight of Tennessee’s Area Agencies on Aging and Disability, Blount County Community Action Agency’s Office on Aging-SMiles Program, Knoxville- Knox County Community Action Committee’s Volunteer Assisted Transportation Program, Mid- East Community Action Agency’s Round About Roane Program, ElderServe of Claiborne County’s Claiborne SMiles VAT, and MyRide West Tennessee – Madison County.
Who is a part of the Senior Volunteer Transportation Network?
Other partners (who are not receiving grant funding, but are part of the SVTN) include: Fairfield Glade Resident Services’ Way To Go Program, STAYinTV/The Rides Program in Tellico Village, SeniorRide Nashville, and iTN Memphis.
Goals outlined in the three-year grant include: developing a senior volunteer transportation network, developing thirty new senior volunteer transportation programs across the state during the three-year grant period, and increasing volunteers and riders by 30% at existing “legacy” senior
What are the goals of the Senior Volunteer Transportation Network?
3volunteer transportation provider partners.