Pictured is the Northeastern Center. Photos provided by the Northeastern Center.

News Release

ALBION — Northeastern Center’s NEC Connect program began in July 2022 with a small grant and a goal of making transportation easier for individuals in Northeast Indiana who are involved in the criminal justice system.

With a lack of viable public transportation options in the area many of these individuals struggle to get to work, counseling and other appointments such as probation or Drug Court. NEC in collaboration with community stakeholders has been able to remove the stress of transportation for these individuals with its NEC Connect Transportation Program.

Upon the program’s inception it quickly became apparent that the need for transportation services was far greater than originally anticipated. The annual goal of 800 rides was surpassed with 976 transports provided between July 2022 and June 2023. Rides are provided at no charge to the individual.

As NEC Connect entered year two, the program expanded to continue to provide as much availability as possible for those utilizing the program. From July 2023 through June 2024 NEC Connect provided 5,225 rides across DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble and Steuben counties. These four Northeast Indiana counties frequently see transportation as a barrier due to their rural nature and lack of resources. NEC Connect not only helps individuals meet their needs but also increases compliance with probation and other requirements. This reduces costs to the community while helping transform individuals who are making positive choices to change their life.

Nicole Johnson-Smith

Nicole Johnson-Smith is the Director of both NEC Connect and the Community Health and Outreach Center and she had this to say regarding the overarching success of the program.

“Providing free transportation to those involved in the criminal justice system allows us to support individuals who are often faced with many barriers to change. One of the biggest barriers is the lack of transportation. This could be a result of many factors, such as loss of license and an inability to afford a vehicle and all of the things that come with this expense. Transportation is the key to many other avenues for change, such as employment, court, treatment, medical appointments, etc. By removing one barrier, many doors are opened that allow for change and progress towards becoming successful citizens in our community. It brings us great pride in those who utilize NEC Connect as we get to hear first-hand the successes that our riders are experiencing.”

The Northeastern Center is incredibly grateful for the partnership it has established with the State of Indiana and the support it has received specifically from the Division of Mental Health and Addiction for the NEC Connect Program and they are excited about the success of this program.

“Transportation continues to be a barrier for successful re-entry and recovery for justice-involved individuals,” said Becky Buhner, DMHA Deputy Director. “Northeastern Center’s Connect to Ride program is making significant strides to reduce those barriers.”

The Northeastern Center hopes for the continued growth and success of the NEC Connect program as it expands to meet the needs of those in the criminal justice system. As well as continuing to provide accessible and affordable behavioral health services to all members of the local communities who need it.

Northeastern Center, Inc. has been serving the people of DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble and Steuben Counties for over 45 years. The agency’s mission is to help individuals achieve emotional and mental wholeness through accessible, affordable and quality behavioral health services.