By Car Helps Four with First Cars

posted 1/31/23 -- Four young women have their first cars thanks to LCCAA’s By Car partnership with OhioMeansJobs Lorain County.

By Car matches earned income at a 3 to 1 ratio to help qualifying participants purchase a car to travel to work or school. The partnership with OMJ also includes several of their classes and assessments. Additionally, participants are required to complete a financial literacy class.

Twin sisters Amanda and Emily Diaz saved their funds by working at their local radio station. The high school seniors are considering nursing school. They bought their cars at Motor City in Lorain. Amanda now drives a 2014 Ford Escape and Emily drives a 2014 Jeep Cherokee.

“Their mom is so proud,” said program coordinator Jasmine Hamilton. “But she says the house is going to be so quiet now that they are driving.”

Holly Williams now drives herself and her sister to school in a 2009 Honda Accord. The high school junior has taken some pressure off her mother who works two jobs, Hamilton said.

Michara Berry will work at Cedar Point for her third summer thanks to her 2009 Chevrolet Malibu.

“She is so grateful to be able to go this summer and continue working,” Hamilton said.

To begin the By Car program, residents should call OMJ to register at 440-324-5244. Learn more on our website: https://www.lccaa.net/programs/ByCar.