Northeastern Center secures $300k in funding to continue providing free transportation via NEC Connect

NEC Connect, which launched in July of 2022 and has provided more than 15,000 free rides, helps support individuals in recovery. Access to consistent transportation is shown to improve outcomes through attendance and successful completion recovery programs. Transportation access also helps reduce recidivism, which is the likelihood that convicted individuals will reoffend.

“Transportation is a key factor in recovery, and we’re proud that NEC Connect has helped to fill a need in our community,” said Steve Howell, CEO of Northeastern Center. “We are grateful for our partnership with DMHA and DeKalb County, as their additional funding allows us to continue providing free rides to individuals in recovery.”

Previously, NEC Connect was available to anyone in the four-county area who was involved in the criminal justice system. With the program’s new funding, the rider criteria have been updated to focus on individuals with substance use disorder who are connected to DeKalb County.

As of April 1, all NEC Connect riders must self-identify as having a substance use disorder, which can include addiction tobacco, alcohol and other substances. Additionally, riders need to have some sort of affiliation with DeKalb County. An affiliation could include living in the county, working in the county, being on probation in the county or involved with the county court system, receiving services in the county, or being unhoused with their last known residence in DeKalb County.

Rides with NEC Connect will be available Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and riders can be taken anywhere (within Indiana) that supports recovery, such as therapy, doctor’s offices, probation or court, work, the grocery store and more. All rides should be scheduled by calling 260-925-8657 at least 24 hours in advance.

For more information about NEC Connect, call 260-925-8657 or visit www.nec.org/connect.