Car Means Freedom to Work, Enjoy Summer Fun

posted 6/16/18 -- Owning a car is a form of empowerment in a nation that was built on the idea of moving autonomously from shining sea to shining sea.

For Yvonne Grad, owning a car is “a big relief off my shoulders.”

Yvonne can be seen driving around Lorain County in her smooth white Mazda, wearing a shirt that says “#Blessed,” and sporting an ear-to-ear smile that would make Julia Roberts jealous.

Her new-to-her car was made possible through Lorain County Community Action Agency’s By Car Program. The program matches savings accumulated from earned income and helps low-income families and individuals find reliable, used cars. The program also includes a class on money management and tips on car maintenance.

Yvonne is looking forward to “being able to be in the community to do things with my two kids. We don’t have public transportation so now we can do stuff.”

In addition to summer fun, Yvonne of course drives to work. When she finally got the keys to her new ride she felt “a release, it was a release because now I can report to work. Ultimately, I can’t work if I don’t have transportation.”

Yvonne first heard of the LCCAA by Car program from a family member. After she heard about the program she contacted LCCAA Client Services Specialist Robert McDonald.

“He explained it to me, he was on point with everything…the whole experience was really nice,” she said. “It was really easy. I got the paperwork filled out and returned. I got approved and went to the class.”

For more information on the By Car Program, contact Robert McDonald at [email protected] or call at 440-204-3151.

By Car is funded in part by the Community Services Block Grant, a federal program regularly up for renewal and reconsideration. To help maintain this program for people like Yvonne, call or write your Senator or Representative and tell them you saw this story of success! Click here for a list of contact information for those who represent Lorain County.