About Us
Incorporated in 2003, Wheels of Success has an important mission:
Wheels of Success is dedicated to providing personal transportation solutions by partnering with the community in a circle of support to keep people working and sustain their independence.
Tampa is one of the most expensive metro areas in the country for transportation costs for low income individuals: 40 percent of our lowest wage earners’ incomes is spent on transportation, as opposed to 24.6 percent of the general population’s income. In addition, Tampa is one of only two cities in the top 25 major metro areas that does not have a mass transit system. Perhaps not surprisingly, Tampa has been listed as #2 in the country as an area in which pedestrians are most likely to get killed by cars or other vehicles.
Given the high percentage of local working poor who are employed in the healthcare and hospitality industries, which often require workers to be on duty at times other than 9 to 5, these individuals who lack their own transportation may be unable to get or retain employment and take care of their most basic needs, including:
- Arriving at work dependably and on time
- Working late and weekend shifts
- Taking their children to school
- Picking up children from daycare by 6 p.m.
- Shopping for groceries
- Getting medical care
- Participating in community activities
- Taking children to after school activities
- Maintaining family and friend support structures
- Attending religious services
Wheels of Success serves individuals and families in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties obtain or continue their employment by providing them with reliable transportation. Programs serve low income families, with programs for targeted groups as well as special financing, car purchases, car care classes and repair services.
We obtain vehicles through purchase or donation and restore them to good running condition through the support of our partners, funders, donors and sponsors.
For more information on Wheels of Success, see our full list of Frequently Asked Questions.
Mission Statement:
Wheels of Success is dedicated to providing personal transportation solutions by partnering with the community in a circle of support to keep people working and sustain their independence.Start Your Engines
Wheels of Success was incorporated in June 2003 to help families obtain or continue work by providing them with reliable transportation through a program of car repairs, vehicle replacement, related licensing services, car payments, down payments and car-care classes in both Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties.
Tampa is the highest cost metropolitan city in the country for transportation costs. Forty percent of the working poor's income is spent on transportation as opposed to 24.6% of the general population's. The bus system is not only inadequate, running infrequently and with very few routes, but it does not run in the evening or on holidays when many hospitality employees work. Parents working until 5:00pm and taking a bus (or busses) to pick up their children from daycare find it almost impossible to get there by the 6:00pm deadline.
Wheels of Success Starts Rolling!
In October 2003, National Car Care Month, Wheels of Success rolled out our program by awarding our first car to a Pinellas County individual in need. In partnership with Program Sponsors such as Professional Women Empower, Wheeler Auto Wholesale, and Tampa Tow and Recovery (see complete list of sponsors), we will continue to fulfill our mission, gaining momentum as we go.
Pit Crew Services
Wheels of Success provides our Clients with:
- Dependable transportation in the form of a car, truck, or van
- Assistance with automotive repairs, preventative maintenance, and car-care classes for families who have transportation but cannot afford repairs and maintenance
"Pay It Forward" Philosophy
Clients receiving a vehicle “buy” it from the program by making monthly payments based on ability to pay, as well as donating 5 service hours per month to the organization. These payments enable our Clients to make a difference and help Wheels of Success to keep rolling and serving others.
The Finish Line
Wheels of Success is here to help. Our program supplies clients with car care/repair services and/or reliable vehicles enabling them to:
- Arrive at work dependably
- Take their children to school
- Shop for groceries
- Participate in community activities
- Wheels of Success offers working families the resources needed to keep their lives from skidding out of control.