A Pivotal Moment for Lisa P.

Some challenges in life are impossible to understand until you’ve experienced them.

For Lisa, a job offer from one of the country’s most prestigious hospitals should have been life-changing, but without transportation, it felt out of reach. Living in a rural part of Baltimore County without public transit, was a daily battle—transporting three kids to school, getting to work, the grocery store, or even the pharmacy.

The hardest part wasn’t just her own struggle, it was watching her children miss out. “I couldn’t put them in after-school activities,” she said. “I wanted them to build social skills and participate in things, but I just didn’t have the means.”

Without a car, Lisa spent a lot of time explaining, promising, and searching for solutions. She kept telling her kids, “I promise it’s going to get better.”  But when you don’t have transportation, everything is harder.

Lisa connected with Vehicles for Change through a referral from her caseworker at the time. Her caseworker said, “If you get a job offer, bring me the letter, and I’ll connect you with them.”

That moment came when Lisa landed a job at a Baltimore area hospital. She submitted her paperwork to her case worker but remained skeptical. “We’re so used to disappointment,” Lisa admitted. “At first, I didn’t believe it would happen. But then, Vehicles for Change called. That’s when I knew—it was real.”

The instant Lisa took the keys to her station wagon, she felt pure relief for herself and for her kids.

As time went on, Lisa continued to thrive. Working in medical billing—a career she entered through a workforce development program—Lisa began to wonder: Could I help others the way I was helped?

Lisa returned to school and earned a bachelor’s degree from Coppin State, a master’s degree from the University of Baltimore, and additional credits from Towson University. Armed with education and experience, she built her very own workforce development program, helping others transition from assistance to stable careers—just as she had.

You can be the reason someone gets to work, takes their kids to activities, and starts thinking big again. Donate today.