As program celebrates three years, Northeastern Center seeks additional funds to continue success
AUBURN, Ind. – In its first three years of service, NEC Connect has provided 11,067 rides covering 103,800 miles to support the recovery of individuals in the criminal justice system.
The free Northeastern Center transportation service, currently funded by a $398,464 grant from the Indiana Department of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA), started in July of 2022. It was created to help individuals complete the requirements of their legal rehabilitation, which often includes mental health and substance use services.
Northeastern Center leaders saw the DMHA grant as an opportunity to address a need for transportation, which is one of the largest barriers to mental health care in the region. NEC Connect also strengthens Northeastern Center’s partnerships with local courts and probation offices because transportation is a critical factor in reducing recidivism, which is the tendency of convicted individuals to reoffend. Studies show that access to consistent transportation helps people avoid cycles of re-arrest and successfully reintegrate into society.
Since launching, NEC Connect has surpassed its goals and provided far more rides than expected. The DMHA grant period officially ends in September of 2026. However, based on the past year’s average of 403 rides per month, the grant funds will likely run out sometime in the spring of 2026. Northeastern Center leaders are currently looking for additional grant opportunities to keep the program on the road.
“Simply giving someone a ride helps with little things like group therapy appointments and probation meetings, but those add up to bigger things like successfully completing a recovery program and graduating from drug court,” said Steve Howell, CEO of Northeastern Center. “We’ve received extremely positive feedback not only from clients, but also judges and probation officers about NEC Connect, and know it helps justice-involved individuals succeed. We’re proud that this program has exceeded expectations and hope to find new funding sources for its continued success.”
NEC Connect is free to anyone currently involved in the criminal justice system living in DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble or Steuben counties. The program provides rides anywhere that supports recovery, which could include probation meetings, drug court, work, the grocery store, medical appointments, therapy appointments or other locations.
NEC Connect Van: NEC Connect is a free service that provides rides for individuals involved in the criminal justice system. To schedule a ride anywhere that supports recovery, call 260-925-8657.
NEC Connect Drivers: Drivers Cait and Dana stand outside of the Community Health and Outreach Center, which is where the NEC Connect program is based.
Connect Driver Dana: NEC Connect driver Dana wants potential riders to know he used to use the service himself, and there's no shame in asking for a ride.
"Access to reliable transportation supports community integration and helps justice-involved individuals regain their independence," said Hannah Baughman, director of Northeastern Center's Community Health and Outreach Center, which is where NEC Connect is based. "Marginalized populations sometimes have to choose between getting a ride to the doctor or getting a ride to work. Especially in rural areas, where resources aren't within walking distance, transportation increases access to resources and helps improve both physical and mental health."
While other public transportation services are available in the area, NEC Connect is the only one that caters exclusively to individuals in the criminal justice system, offering unique options to support their needs. The most advantageous of these differences is that NEC Connect is a completely free service, while other options typically charge a nominal fee.
Unlike other transportation options, NEC Connect also allows clients to schedule more than one ride at a time, which is helpful for recurring events like group therapy. The program also has longer hours than most other transportation services, offering rides from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Per the DMHA grant requirements, NEC Connect is also confidential to support recovery. When scheduling a ride, individuals are only asked to provide their first name and last initial, as well as a phone number to call in case of a cancellation.
One of the program's drivers, Dana, wants potential riders to know that it's OK to ask for help. As a former client, he used NEC Connect for roughly nine months while completing his court requirements. Today, he's proud to give a ride to others who want a second chance.
"I wouldn't have made it through without this program," he said. "Don't be afraid – hit us up."
To schedule a ride with NEC Connect, call 260-925-8657. To learn more about the program, read this Q&A with the team.
