In this issue:
Driving Success, The VFC Recipient of the Month, Freedom Wheels Used Cars

Driving Success Hits the Streets

VFC is excited to launch its first ever monthly newsletter Driving Success. The newsletter will provide you with information as to the VFC program and how to maintain your own car. The information contained in this newsletter will include updates on VFC recipients and partners, new happenings at VFC, your Car Care tip of the month and the ability to obtain valuable car care coupons and the chance to win valuable prizes.

The VFC Recipient of the Month

 I want to thank Vehicles for Change for my beautiful 1999 Mercury Sable.  It is hard to tell you what a positive difference this vehicle has made in my life.

I recently had to take full-time responsibility for raising my 18 month old grandson, Jaylin, and I cannot imagine even trying to do this without an affordable and dependable vehicle.  I am very thankful that Way to Go was able to refer me to Vehicles for Change.  I needed a car very badly and the whole process was done very quickly and efficiently. 

Having a dependable vehicle means that I can get Jaylin to his daycare center and then get to work without worrying about whether or not my ride will show up.  I had to change jobs so that I could get daycare for my grandson and it is especially important to be present and on time for my new job so I can build a good reputation with my new employer. 

Having my car also means that I can get Jaylin to his doctor's appointments on time and we can even go somewhere and have fun when we want to!  We can have a normal life again and that means a lot to both of us.

Even if I could meet face to face with the person who donated my car to Vehicles for Change it would be hard to tell them how much I really appreciate their generosity.  It is really hard to do this with just words, but please let them know that their gift has made it possible for me to take good care of a wonderful little boy and make a good life for the two of us.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

Tracy Shierelle Yancey

Car Care Tip of the Month Brake Maintenance

Your brake fluid level is an indication of brake wear!! When you push the brake pedal, brake fluid forces the brake pads onto the rotors stopping your car. Over time the brake pads and rotors wear and more brake fluid is required to stop your car. If your brake fluid is low, do not simply fill the reservoir and keep driving. It is worth a trip to your favorite mechanic for a brake check!

There is a lot of great information available on the internet about your car and your braking system in particular. One of our favorites is Family Car Parts. If you have a question about your brakes, please feel free to email your question to Steve Sullivan at VFC at galaxy64500@aol.com.

VFC Happenings

New things are always happening at VFC thanks to our friends like you.

Cars in The District
VFC now awards cars to families in Washington DC, thanks to grants from the Annie E. Casey and the Washington Area Women's Foundations.

VFC was engaged by Annie E. Casey Foundation to establish a presence in the District and specifically in Wards 7 and 8. VFC has been working with three outstanding DC organizations to identify those families that are trying to make a better life for themselves but just cannot do so with a car. So Other Might Eat, Wider Opportunities for Women and William C. Smith. 

VFC is excited to be once again awarding cars in the District. Over 36 cars will be awarded to worthy families in the next 12 months. If you have someone who may qualify for a car please contact Steve Sullivan at 410-242-9674. Please see the requirements here.

Junkers for Jobs
VFC launched a new program to remove the junk cars from the region. The first launch was in Baltimore County and removed 58 cars from the county. Next stop Anne Arundel County.

This JoJ program is an innovative way to help in the movement to create a cleaner Chesapeake Bay region. Junk cars leak toxins in the ground every time it rains and rust runs off these vehicles. In addition, they continually leak oil, transmission and other fluids into the ground and eventually find their way into the Chesapeake Bay. Not only does the program create a cleaner Chesapeake Bay region but the proceeds generated from the junk cars are used to prepare cars for low-income families in the VFC program. A win – win for all involved!!

The program is introduced to various counties in Maryland and eventually in Virginia. Each month the program will highlight 2 or 3  counties. Individuals who have a car to donate from the identified county will receive up to $75 worth of valuable gift certificates. So far gift certificates have been provided by Pizza Hut, Giant and Precision Tune Auto Care.

If you have a car to donate contact Vehicles for Change at 410-242-9674 if you are interested in helping bring the program to your county or have an organization who would like to provide gift certificates please contact Joe Herrick 4410-428-0517.

Join Us for the Charity Competition
Union Jacks of Bethesda is hosting a Charity Competition on March 22 from 5pm to 9pm and VFC will be there. Just choose us as your designated charity and 10% of your bill will be donated to VFC by Union Jacks. The charity with the most votes will win $100 to be added to the total donation amount.

Bring your family and friends out for great food and a great cause. Be sure to designate Vehicles for Change as your charity of choice. See you there!

www.unionjacksbethesda.com

VFC Partner Save on Towing
All Purpose Towing is offering VFC friends 10% off the cost of your next tow with a copy of your newsletter.

All Purpose Towing has been providing outstanding service to Vehicles for Change for the past 6 years. They have been one of our most reliable partners. We highly recommend them for any of your towing needs. You can reach Bill at 443-623-9514. Be sure to provide him a copy of your “driving Success’ newsletter for your 10% discount!

Spread the Word
It is amazing how few individuals are aware of VFC or the maximum tax deduction.

1. Tell Your Friends!

Word of mouth is a very effective way to get the message out about our services!  Samples of information that can be copied and placed in a newsletter, website  or church or school bulletin can be found by clicking here. For any questions, please call Kim at 410-242-9674.

2. Invite Us To Come To You!

Representatives from VFC would be honored to speak to your company about the benefits of donating to Vehicles for Change!

To schedule an appointment, please call 410-242-9674.
Freedom Wheels Used Cars

Freedom Wheels has low priced used cars for general sale and 100% of the proceeds are used to prepare cars for VFC families!

Cars are sold at below market prices and many with a 6-month/6,000 mile warranty. These are great cars for high school and college students or your second family car. Freedom Wheels provides  outstanding and friendly service, no haggle pricing and a great return policy. Visit  Freedom Wheels to find out more or to review cars for sale.