“Just wanted to say thank you again. Getting this car has totally changed our lives for the better. Now my children and I can just get in and go. We have spent many evenings at the park. And been able to go and visit family in Virginia. This is the best program and I have been spreading the word. My family and I are truly blessed!” – Maria

Brandi Scott couldn’t stop smiling – on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, the Charles County mother of three received a Subaru Forester from Vehicles for Change.

“You all are granting wishes, giving miracles to each person who comes through here,” Scott said, beaming and wiping away tears.

Scott, who works for the Family Investment Program at St. Mary’s Department of Social Services, had to take 4 buses to get to work each day. She recently had to turn down a supervisor position at her work because she did not have car.

“When I heard that I was getting a car, the first thing I thought is that I don’t have to stand in the cold or rain for hours, waiting for the bus anymore,” said Scott, “I don’t have to pick up the kids after 7 pm….I can’t begin to say, this is truly a blessing.”   Read more

For Varee Dyson, a single mother of 4 who lives in Alexandria, VA, car ownership represents an entire new way of thinking.

Now, when she’s looking for a job she won’t have to ask if the business is off of a bus line. She won’t have to schedule her shift so that it corresponds with the schedule of the local bus route. And she won’t have to take each of her 4 children with her every time she visits the laundromat, because they can now carry all of their laundry in their car.
 
“The first thing we did when we got our car was go to the laundromat,” Dyson said with a laugh, “We didn’t have to worry about taking a cab or bus!” Read more

Bobby Semmont knows what it is like to get a second chance at life. In November 2011, he fell asleep at the wheel of his vehicle and hit a tree. After being medevaced to Maryland Shock Trauma, he spent more than 37 hours in surgery as doctors rushed to repair his life-threatening injuries. More than a year later, Semmont still suffers from leg problems as a result of the accident, but knows he’s lucky to be alive.

“God has a purpose for me here,” Semmont said, “I’m just going to keep going until I figure out what it is.” Read more

In May 2011, Beth Wiggins-Chambers knew she needed to face the realization that her life had hit rock-bottom. She had spent the past twenty years abusing drugs – and stealing to support her habit – and her body was worn out. However, it wasn’t until her six-week old daughter, Lilyana, was taken away and placed in foster care that Wiggins-Chambers recognized her life needed a big change.

“That was rock-bottom,” Wiggins-Chambers said, “I knew I needed to get my life together for my daughter.” Read more