Success Story: Jessica

Jessica is a single mother with three young children, two of whom are in diapers. When she left an abusive situation, she sought assistance through CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse).

Jessica dreamed of a better life for herself and her children, and with help from CASA, she began to believe in herself and in her dreams of become totally independent. Because one of the tools of independence is having reliable transportation, CASA referred Jessica to Wheels of Success.

Before receiving her car from Wheels of Success, Jessica would have to take three different buses, starting at 6:00 am to get to her job at State Farm Insurance two hours later. Since she would have to leave early in the morning, she was dependent on a friend to care for her children each morning and to take them to daycare. Most days, Jessica’s friend picked her kids up as well.

Simple things most people take for granted were very challenging.  Going to the grocery store or keeping doctor’s appointments would require long bus rides with three small children in tow. Sometimes, even though money was tight, Jessica would pay people to give her rides.

“Now that I have a vehicle I don’t have to depend on anyone. I take my children to daycare, go to the grocery store and doctor’s appointments without having to depend on anyone or have to take several hours off work. I have been able to continue my education by gaining other insurance licensing to further my career and was recently promoted to a sales position. Having a car has also given me the opportunity to spend quality time with my kids rather than spending all of our extra time on the bus.”

Jessica is looking forward to what the future holds for herself and her children. She is advancing in her career and has goals to eventually own an insurance agency.

“Thank you, Susan Jacobs and staff, for making a difference in my life and helping me to be fully independent.”