Wheels to Work

Wheels to Work is a model program that sets the wheels in motion by linking qualified recipients of public assistance with cars to get to work.

History

Wheels to Work came to New Mexico as the idea of two local car dealers. Patterned after a similar program in Florida, the idea was simple: choose qualified, well deserving recipients on public assistance who are already employed but need transportation. Lease them a car without expecting them to make payments. If, after three years, the client continues to be in compliance with the Wheels lease program he/she becomes owner of the car for $1.

In late 1998 Wheels to Work leased its first car to a working welfare client. Since its small beginnings, Wheels to Work has leased a number of cars to self-motivated, qualified recipients.

Wheels to Work has been incorporated as a non-profit organization. It has a board of directors representing a broad spectrum of local businesses and organizations. Wheels to Work is dedicated to improving our community.

We ask for your help in supporting this local program!

Mission statement

What Wheels to Work can do for you

Criteria for becoming a Wheels recipient

• Be an active TANF client (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families replaced welfare in 1997).
• Meet all of the work requirements of the TANF program.
• Be currently employed or have a bona fied offer of a job.
• Have a clean driving record.
• Show proof of insurance.
• Continue in employment with no mre than a 30-day gap between jobs for the duration of the lease.

Previous donors

Board of directors

Contact information

For more information, please call Nancy Shepherd at (505) 566-3214.

Testimonials

What recipients have said:

	"It was very difficult to get and hold a job before I had a car."
	--Laura Harris
	"The program gave me the opportunity to get a car when I couldn't have gotten one on my own."
	--Katie Thompson
	"It's a wonderful opportunity for single parents to receive a step up."
	--Sheri Simmons

What employers have to say:

	"We certainly have benefited from Wheels to Work. We have one of the first recipients still working for us. She has done a good job of being here on time."
	--Anthony Urbina, Former Manager Walmart
	"It was a pleasure to work with her and an honor to assist with her advancement through the Welfare to Work program."
	--Lisa Kelloff, Former Executive Director Aztec Chamber of Commerce
	"The Wheels to Work program provides single parents with a benefit that many of us take for granted -- the opportunity to drive a car to work, to shop and to live an independent life. Wheels is a service that helps the entire community."
	--Stacey Allen, Program Director for Welfare Reform San Juan College