WOS/Bay Area Legal Recipient/Client – Amanda B.

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.

Three years ago, at just 22 years of age, Amanda was three months pregnant with her first child. Going to cosmetology school, working, and shopping were her life; all was easy. When her sister was killed in a car accident, Amanda took in her four nieces and nephews who then ranged in ages from 1 to 9, and her life changed instantly. After Amanda’s baby was born her husband left with their vehicle. “He just couldn't handle everything,” she says without malice. Needless to say, this young mother to five children felt the weight of the world on her narrow shoulders. She did everything she could to stay on her feet. Instead of blame, she heaps praise on her “Mom and Dad” who adopted her as a teen (along with her brother and sister) and now help with their grandchildren. She also remembers her biological father who struggled as an ill single parent before dying when Amanda was 14 years old. “If only he had known of a program like Wheels of Success,” she says wistfully. Amanda thanks the donor of her car in addition to those named in her heartfelt letter of thanks. We thank her for this letter and the way that she inspires us to continue doing our work – hopefully with gratitude and a lightness of spirit like hers!

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Amanda, and I am writing this letter to thank Bay Area Legal Services for all they have done for me and my family. I particularly want to thank Laura Inkabruke and her immediate staff for referring me to the Wheels of Success program. WOS was able to provide me with a 1998 Ford Windstar van that is large enough to accommodate my entire family.

Prior to having this vehicle, I found it very difficult to accomplish daily tasks for myself and my five children. I have to say that the five-month period with all the kids and no car was the most difficult time of my life. It was a struggle each day to get the children to school, day care, and doctor visits as well as to get myself to work.

I want to let both organizations know how much easier they have made my life which, in turn, helps the children. We now know that if someone is sick or we need to go to the grocery store, all we have to do is jump in the van and go! There are no longer times when we have to depend on someone else to get us where we need to go.

This has been a very humbling experience for me as a 25-year-old responsible for six people. It has been such a blessing to have both of these agencies assist me and my family when they didn't even know us. I feel as though “thank you” is not enough to express how much we appreciate all that each of you has done. Everywhere I go I talk to people about Bay Area Legal Services and Wheels of Success and tell them how much you both have helped me; I encourage others to help you in any way they can. Most people I have talked to didn't even know such services were available for people in need.

I hope that one day I will be in a position to provide as much support to someone in need within your agencies as you have provided to me. Maybe I will be able to donate a vehicle in the way a family donated the van for us. Thanks again for all you have done and continue to do for me and my family. All of you have been so kind and understanding with all that I have gone through. Every evening before the children go to sleep, they say their prayers and give thanks for those who have helped us get to the place we are today. My wish is that God will bless each of you as he has each of us during our time of need.

With much Love, Respect and Gratitude to all of you from all of us,

Amanda & Family