I am angry and frustrated with the turn of events here at Gateway Services, Inc / Access Johnson County Public Transit.  I am angry at the people that think it is okay to come on our lot in the dead of night and cut off catalytic converters off of our vehicles.  Why is there anyone in this day and age that feel like they need to steal from a not for profit.  Do they not know that it costs money that we don't have to fix them.  Sure some of it is covered by insurance but there is still a deductible that we have to pay for each time it occurs.  That is dollars we could spend taking someone to life saving treatment, work, grocery or to other destinations that they otherwise cannot get to.   That is the frustrating part!
We now have 4 vehicles we cannot drive because we are not able to get them fixed due to a shortage of converters as they are back ordered.
The last time someone decided to drill a hole in one of our fuel tanks on one of our vehicles.  So now we have 5 out.   Drilling a hole in a fuel tank is not the smartest thing I have ever heard of someone doing.  Could they have caused a spark while they were drilling?   You bet they could have.

To the thieves is it worth your life to take a chance on catching you and the vehicle on fire while you are under it.  
Is it worth the $35-$50 dollars you are getting from each converter. 
I have three words for you

SHAME ON YOU!!! 

Where you not taught better, are you using this to buy drugs, alcohol or trying to make a living by stealing?  It is time to stop blaming your childhood  and pull up your boot straps get some help and get a job like our employees here at Gateway Services / Access Johnson County Public Transit.  

You were born for a purpose find it and use if the the GREATER GOOD!!

We were finally able to get our new flag pole installed last week. Just in time for  Flag Day on June 14th.   Flag ceremony was done on Thursday, June 11th. 
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The idea was given to us by one of our drivers, William H.  So we got to work on procuring one.  Thanks to Greenwood American Legion and Edinburgh VFW as these heros were kind enough to donate the dollars for the purchase of our flag pole and flags.  Thank you to Joe B and Rob C (drivers and all around jacks of all trades) for digging the hole, mixing and pouring the concrete and pea gravel and putting up the flag pole.  We know it was not easy and was some pretty hot work last week. 

So as you pass by our building in the coming days, weeks, months and years take a look at the beautiful red, white, and blue.  Give a honk if you feel like it.  

On May 14, 2020 Gateway Services/the Arc of Johnson County lost longtime friend and advocate for people with disabilities, Ilene Younger Qualkinbush.

Ilene was a registered nurse and mother of two. Inspired by her daughter Susan, who was born with severe developmental disabilities, Ilene helped establish the ARC of Indiana in 1956 where she spent many years a volunteer and staff member. 

Ilene was a tireless advocate for people with developmental disabilities and was a consultant for the Indiana Board of Health where she organized genetics workshops throughout Indiana.  Ilene has been recognized locally and nationally for her work, including the Sagamore of the Wabash Award. 

In 1998, Ilene volunteered her time at Gateway Services to help prepare for our 35th anniversary celebration.  She spent many hours reviewing thirty five years’ worth of historical archives in order to write highlights for every year Gateway had operated. 

We have Ilene to thank for the phrase we frequently use in agency information. 

In November 1962, two mothers from opposite ends of Johnson County met over a cup of coffee to explore the possibilities of establishing a school for their children.  Within a week they started knocking on doors . . . and soon located a dozen parents who joined in their efforts.
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Thank you Ilene!  Your hard work and sacrifice on behalf of citizens with disabilities will always be remembered and appreciated.