- Published: January 11, 2017
At Wheels of Success we often say the vehicles we provide, offers our clients their "Key to Success". This is very true for Teresa; she worked as a nurse for 23 years earning $15$18 an hr until she was left without reliable transportation. Without a reliable vehicle she is currently working at a factory only earning $9 an hr with 3 children to support. Unable to afford an apartment, she and her children are now living in a shelter.
Her story is what Wheels of Success' mission is centered on: helping people who are working hard but struggling because unforeseen circumstances have left them without a reliable vehicle. Without a reliable vehicle these families often cannot get to work and are extremely limited in job choices and therefore, severely limited in their earning potential and ability to support themselves and their families.
Teresa is part of our Cars for Caregivers program. This program provides assistance to patient caregivers, as transportation is especially challenging for them, often working nights and weekends when the bus schedules are limited or nonexistent. With a reliable vehicle Teresa's job options will be expanded, she will have the ability to return to her skilled profession in the nursing field with higher pay rates, and as a result be able to provide for herself and her children. It is a simple equation.... a vehicle for her is a direct path to a better job, leading to a better life and independence. By improving her job situation she will be able to provide her children a roof of their own and hopefully much more. Teresa is looking forward to receiving her "New to Her" vehicle, a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban that was donated through the "Holiday Hopes" story in the Tampa Bay Times. "I will appreciate just being able to get to work to provide for my kids."