I started out as a volunteer for Wheels of Success. After a year volunteering I was so inspired by the mission, that I applied to be a Board Member. There is nothing else in our area doing what Wheels does to help the underserved. Providing transportation is essential to keeping people working, and engaged with their families. In addition to getting to work, our clients are able to get to their doctor, grocery, children's schools, just to name a few. Donating a car is a plus plus decision. Wheels gets to help a family and the donor gets the write off.
WE are supported financially by donations from our local community, fund racing events and board of directors direct contribution such as myself. We are not supported directly by either the federal or state government. What set us apart from all other non-profits is that we manage to help over 150 families annually with only two full time and two part time employees, for every dollar donated to Wheels of Success, 90 cents goes directly to our clients, our Board of Directors are the finest in the world as they are a working board not just for the recognition. All of our clients are required to provide 3 hours a month of volunteer work in order to help the next person waiting for assistance. In addition we provide training in both car maintenance and financial literacy to all of our clients; all our clients "Pay-forward" toward the repairs of their vehicle, the vehicle is free so that the donor would get full tax credit in their donation regardless of the condition of the donated vehicle.
LUIS A. DE LA TORRE
Wheels of Success (WOS) is a wonderful organization, providing a variety of transportation services that changes lives. Individual's referred for services to WOS consistently rank their experience as life changing for them individually and for their family members. WOS's clients are able to secure jobs and advance in their careers, thanks to reliable transportation, the absence of which may have impeded these opportunities. In addition, WOS's "pay it forward" philosophy encourages those individuals to express their appreciation by giving back to the community as WOS volunteers. The significant impact to the community provided by WOS and its "pay it forward" philosophy both make me proud to be a part of this wonderful organization.
I have volunteered my time with Wheels of Success on many occasions and I never have felt that it was time wasted. They were precise and to the issue when it came to planning a volunteer project. No one stood idly by and watched others work and it was a great solidarity moment and community gathering that made you feel like you truly helped others. I will volunteer with Wheels of Success anytime they ask and I have the time. It is a worth while organization and worth my time.
Amber
If you are looking for an organization you can get excited about, one that is making a significant impact in the Tampa Bay community, look no further! I have been a believer in Wheels of Success (WOS) since the very beginning, when Founder & CEO, Susan Jacobs, was forming the non-profit back in 2003. After serving as the first Board Secretary, I moved to the Advisory Committee, where I have continued to stay involved, both as a donor and volunteer. By providing a hand up, rather than a hand out, through a variety of transportation services, WOS is changing lives, both for the individual referred for services by an employer or community agency, as well as for their family members. With their "pay it forward" philosophy, those helped by WOS are able to express their gratitude by volunteering with the organization, which also helps control administrative/operations expenses.
I received a vehicle through Wheels of Success a year ago. The vehicle wasn't perfect and it had its problems, but the care and attention that I received from the staff was unprecedented. They insured that I had reliable transportation throughout my entire year with the program! My life turned completely around so much in that one year that I was able to trade my car back into the Organization and I was able to purchase another one through a different program offered and began building positive credit. I owe my successes and getting back on my feet to this organization. I would have never been able to do half of the things I have without their assistance and standing behind me with things were tough.
I have been volunteering for over a month after my friend told me about this organization. I recently lost my job, and this organization opened its door to allow me to use their resources to help me find a job, while I assisted with my office and IT skills. I saw numerous people come in and out, all of them excited about being able to get to and from work. It’s amazing to see how having a car can really change someone’s life. They are not relining on public transportation or spending way more than they can afford for a used car. This organization is all about helping people in the community. I’m so proud to be a part of this great organization and seeing the effects it has on the people in the community. As I get ready to start my new job, I still plan to make time to continue to volunteer to help others as they helped me.
When serving as the President of The Junior League of Tampa, I had the opportunity to give the keys of an automobile to a deserving youth aging out of foster care and getting her life back together. It was wonderful to be able to change her life and provide the funds for her vehicle.
I recently moved to tampa with my elderly father and daughter. We have had no transportation for about two years. My oldest brother found this organization that helps people like me. I came in to do my interview and I absolutely love rebecca and susan. They are truly angels from God. They love their job. I have been put into a vehicle and I can finally drop my daughter off to school. Get to work. Actually now I can have a lttle mommy time. Thank you wheels of success for everything you do.
Coming into this program I was extremely surprised and humbled by how much they cared for my day to day life. They cared about how much I struggled to get to work and take my daughter to school, how it was an uphill battle for me to get on my feet every day and do what I needed to do to keep earning money and keep my daughter healthy.
From meeting Susan and Rebecca for the first time I knew I could believe in them and this program. Coming to the ceremony to receive my car was very surreal. Driving away from the event with my car felt like I was driving away from all my burdens. I was so relieved and happy to show my little girl our new way around.
Since receiving my car I have been able to bring my life to a steady cruise. I can make it to work everyday, I can make it to work events I am required to attend. I can bring my daughter to school and pick her up on time. I can bring her to the park and get home in time to cook dinner. On the weekends I can run my errands and have fun with my daughter.
Every day I get into my car, I remember when it used to me getting on a bike, me worrying about if it was going to make it across the bridge or me worrying about my ride getting there on time. Every morning before I start my day, I remember Susan and Rebecca and I feel like everything is getting better.
