Carmen's
Story
 Carmen
officially received her 2000 Ford Taurus at
the Wheels of Success fundraiser at
Tampa Bay Downs in February. (Actual delivery
followed shortly thereafter.) She was recommended
to the organization by her pastor at New
Hope Alliance in Lutz.
As the mother of two children, ages 2 and
7, Carmen continued carefully (and prayerfully)
driving a vehicle with brakes that had failed
three times while she transported her precious
cargo. Twice she had paid to have the brakes
repaired. The third time they failed she simply
could not justify the futile expense. Until
then, Carmen took extra efforts to stop with
additional distance from other cars. She says
that she became a much more aware driver, anticipating
the moves of others. She was bothered greatly
by the daily risk due to faulty brakes, but
she had just bought new tires for the car that “otherwise” was
okay. Financial constraints left her with no
choice…or so she thought.
Her church disagreed. By not only submitting
her name but stepping up financially, New
Hope Alliance partnered with WOS for this
family’s safety. Carmen donated her old
vehicle for parts. WOS provided the
Taurus, two new tires, and a car-care class.
“I’m very impressed by the way Wheels works,” says
Carmen. She was excited by the way the organization’s
mechanic tailored tips to her vehicle.” I
learned about the fluids and everything,” she
said, “and it was free!” The
best part is feeling she can relax behind the
wheel now. “It’s amazing what you
take for granted,” says Carmen, adding “God
is good.” |
Wheels
of Success is Tampa Bay's only 501(c)3 nonprofit organization
providing a full range of transportation solutions, including
vehicle replacement; car repair; and licensing, car payment and
down payment assistance to low and moderate income working families.