By Car Helps LHS Soccer Player

posted 8/9/23 -- Yariel DeJesus now drives more than soccer balls down the field.

The Lorain High School senior and varsity soccer player completed the By Car program through OhioMeansJobs Lorain County and purchased a 2011 Toyota Scion.

“It’s one of the best choices in my life,” he said. “And I did it all myself.”

LCCAA provides By Car as a supportive service to those working with OhioMeansJobs. DeJesus was connected to the program by a speaker at his high school after he received his driver’s license last spring.

Now working at Walmart, DeJesus said it took him about seven months to save $2,000, which OMJ then matched with another $6,000 so he could purchase the car from Center Road Auto Sales. He also receives one year of paid car insurance.

DeJesus will also play baseball for Lorain High next spring and hopes to begin a career in acting or photography.

LCCAA conducts the required financial class which covers a wide variety of topics including credit, how to pay for college, budgeting and more.

“It really taught me about saving and a lot about cars and insurance,” he said.

And DeJesus has already recommended the program to his sister and several friends.

Right now, By Car is only available to participants at OhioMeansJobs Lorain County. To get started, call 440-324-5244 or learn more by clicking here.