Testimonials
We’ve heard many stories about Wheels of Success and how they have helped victims of domestic violence with transportation issues. The latest story comes from “Delpha,” a young mother who found herself suddenly caring for her deceased sister’s large family of children. Laura Ankenbruck and the Family Law Team of Bay Area Legal Services were helping Delpha with the legal issues arising from a prior violent relationship and her getting custody of her nieces and nephews. But with a big family, an economy car wouldn’t do for their transportation needs.
Editor’s Note: The following letter was written by a young woman who truly inspires our staff with her positive energy and grateful spirit. Amanda was referred to Wheels by one of our partners, Bay Area Legal Services. Her letter offers appreciation to both organizations. We preface it with an explanation of our admiration for Amanda.
Our initial donation was $5,000. Wheels of Success was able to help 6 of our employees secure reliable transportation with in a few months. As a result, these employees were promoted to better positions within the company. The program was so successful and word spread so rapidly within our organization, that we made another donation of $5,000 in the 3rd quarter. To date, at least 10 employees have benefited from this wonderful organization. The partnership has far exceeded our expectations.
Allison Casper Adams - Caspers Company
I serve on the board for "Wheels of Success" as the 1st Vice President. I personally have had first hand experience as a child that lived with a single mother that worked 12 hour days, struggling to make ends meet while falling into the trap of having to continually invest money into cars that weren’t fully functional, at mechanic shops that were far less than reputable. The time, effort, and money wasted on fruitless car repairs often lead functional, competent, working adults down a one-way street to unemployment, welfare and feelings of despair. With the help of the community, these families are able to get “on the road again”, making a successful U-turn in a short amount of time with minimal impact to their families. Our organization works to assist working families with transportation solutions, such as car repairs, vehicle replacement, related licensing services, and car care classes. I can tell you from first hand experience, that a little "help" from your community can go a long way!
Heather Steinfeld - St. Petersburg, FL, USA
Who knew that a casual meeting with a woman on a mission and a need for me to want to give back to the community would hit so close to home. A phone call from a good friend turned into a cry for financial help -- and I felt terrible that I didn't have the money to help her with her desperate situation. Her only mode of transportation had broken down and they needed $1,800 to fix it or she was going to lose her job and The only source of family income for her family of 4. I quickly realized that Wheels of Success may be able to help. After endless conversations, phone calls, contacts and extensive effort on the Founder Susan Jacobs part -- this family was back on the road again within days! And, only weeks later my friend got a promotion and a much needed Raise. Thanks go out to Susan Jacobs and the Wheels volunteers and contributors who could make this happen.
Sandra Maggio - Palm Harbor, Florida USA
As a volunteer for a number of community charitable organizations, I am acutely aware of personal transportation's role in keeping struggling members of our community employed and healthy. I have watched Susan Jacobs work her charitable magic in another organization where her giving spirit, unbridled energy, creativity, and downright "doggedness" in making things happen...makes it happen! I was delighted when Susan turned her attention to this unmet community need. Her seed of an idea has already sprouted and is bearing fruit with the families she has helped. What she needs is more community support to help her very worthy organization spread its roots into a firm community foundation. In her single-minded determination, this one woman is doing what each of us should be doing--helping those struggling to be contributing society members through the self-sufficiency they desire. I say give "Wheels" the engine it needs to be a driving force in our community--support! support! support!!!
Sharon Schur - Tampa, FL, USA
I have been acquainted with Wheels of Success since its inception. I have seen how it has progressed with only private donations, fundraising efforts, and an all volunteer staff. Susan Jacobs works 24/7 for this organization that she has founded. Adequate transportation is something that most of us take for granted. Susan knows that for many it can mean something so much more, a means to a secure job, to keeping food on the table. In today's world, it takes a "driving force" to achieve the American Dream. Wheels of Success is an organization that could help so many with adequate community support and funding.
Frank Sanchez - Tampa, FL USA
I've followed Wheels of Success since its inception and have witnessed the tremendous impact it has on families in need. Susan Jacobs' vision and drive changes lives.
Alisa Jenkins - Clearwater, FL USA
Wheels of Success is such a worthwhile organization for those in need of car care services. Tampa Connection, a leadership group, chose Wheels of Success as one of its projects for the 2004-2005 year and assigned a group of leaders and professionals in the Tampa Bay area to help it accomplish part of its mission. Tampa Connection did so because we believe in the work that Wheels of Success has and will accomplish and the need for the organization in the Tampa community.
Tampa Connection - Tampa, Florida
It is with firsthand, personal experience that I write of Wheels of Success being a "driving force" for my family. I am a single mother whose only source of income is a full-time position with another non-profit organization in Tampa. I had a car with over 230,000 miles on it and was planning to sell it this past spring when the camshaft seal broke, motor mounts broke, the transmission was going out as there was NO reverse gear, and the water pump went out all within a short period of time. I spent over $1000 on parts alone trying to keep transportation for my family. Although I had never heard of Wheels of Success, I got a referral to them, filled out their on-line application in a matter of minutes, as their website is very user-friendly.