ITNAmerica® recognized GOMadison Volunteer Transportation driver Barb McDonald as the Max & Helen Israelite Volunteer of the Year for 2025. ITNAmerica® is a national nonprofit advancing transportation for older adults and people with mobility challenges. With almost 100 partners and affiliates across the country, ITNAmerica® has innovated community-based transportation since its founding in 1988. This national award is named after the Board of Directors founding member Max Israelite, and his beloved wife, Helen. Each year a winner is selected who best represents the dedication to safe senior transportation that Max embodied.
Barb McDonald has shown extraordinary dedication to senior transportation and health through her volunteerism with Madison County Rural Health Council‘s GOMadison Volunteer Transportation (GMVT) program. The program connects 60+, non-Medicaid, Madison County residents to volunteer drivers for transportation to non-emergency medical appointments, at no cost to them.
GMVT Transportation Coordinator Colleen Casler nominated Barb for her “one-of-a-kind dedication, compassion, and wiliness to literally got the extra mile for our seniors.” Barb has been volunteering with GMVT since April 2023, and is also part of the Madison County Office for the Aging Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)/AmeriCorps Seniors. RSVP Director Annette Clark supported Barb’s nomination saying, “[Barb] understands the transportation challenges that people in our rural county face, especially our older population.”
In 2025, Barb brought Madison County seniors to 130 appointments, driving over 6,069 miles. She embodies the spirit of service and demonstrated outstanding commitment to the cause of senior mobility and dignified transportation. Frequent riders provided testimonials on Barb’s behalf. Rider Joanne said, “Barb super nice, patient, safe driver, and very punctual, she always goes over and above her job duties.” Rider Sharon said, “Barb makes our trips feel like two friends and doesn’t make me feel like a burden. I am so thankful for her and this program.”
Congratulation Barb!
Thank you for driving seniors toward better health!
Help make a difference in your community by providing no-cost transportation for Madison County residents. By volunteering as a driver for the GOMadison Volunteer Transportation Program, you’ll be helping seniors with transportation barriers get to medical appointments.
Why Volunteer?
Sign up today and be a part of this meaningful community effort!
*All Volunteer Drivers must have a valid Driver’s License, provide Proof of Insurance, Vehicle Registration and Inspection, and complete a background check.
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Donating to the Madison County Rural Health Council helps us build and sustain our programs and initiatives, which in turn, contribute to the health of the community.
We are a 501(c)3 organization, which means your contribution is tax-deductible!
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