Earlier this month the Census Bureau reported that last year another 2.6 million Americans slipped into poverty and the number of men, women and children in this country living below the official poverty line is now 46.2 million, the highest number in the 52 years since the bureau has been publishing poverty data. Furthermore, based on 2011 Kids Count Databook, it is estimated that 22% of Georgia’s children live in households that are at or below the national poverty line.
In the midst of our extraordinary economic crisis, families are experiencing unprecedented barriers that prevent them from fully providing for their children’s well being. These barriers may include, but are not limited to, lack of educational/training qualifications, inability to find employment, and lack of transportation to and from employment opportunities. It is our mission at Families First to empower families in all ways possible to ensure the success of their children. We understand that something as simple as a car can make things a lot easier for a family.
The Ways to Work Program is a national initiative of the Alliance of Children and Families that allows working parents who are unable to receive credit approval elsewhere the opportunity to receive loans up to $6,000 to purchase a used vehicle. Earlier this year Families First launched a Ways to Work Program in metropolitan Atlanta to help qualified working families purchase the reliable transportation they need to remain employed, take their children to daycare, access goods and services, strengthen their self-sufficiency and improve their quality of life.
This week’s blog is a letter written by Ms. T. Michelle Bowles, one of our Ways to Work clients who recently drove home in her very own car. Ms. Bowles expresses her gratitude to the Ways to Work Program and staff for helping her through the process of obtaining “a way to get to work” and a more viable path to sustainability.
Kim Anderson, Families First CEO
My name is T. Michelle and I would like to take a brief moment to say, “THANK YOU” to the Ways to Work (Families First) staff and board members.
Several months ago, I came across an email that changed my life from the time I read it until this very moment. I’m still not sure how the email made it to me but then again, I don’t question God. Besides, by this time I had been without a car for 7 months. With that being said, I really had nothing to lose and EVERYTHING to gain by responding to the flyer. So I did! I contacted the Ways to Work staff and scheduled my initial appointment.
Being a divorced mom of four and working two jobs WITHOUT adequate transportation made getting to West Peachtree Street a bit of a challenge. The first appointment was a No-Go. I had to reschedule for the next class session. Finally, after a couple of weeks of listening to skeptics and critics, I worked up the courage to show up for my appointment. It was well worth it. Although, I was tired from working that day and fighting rush hour traffic, I was mentally CHARGED! The knowledge, time and patience that was shown to me by both Tim and Dennis (the Ways to Work staff) went definitely over and beyond the call of duty. Even though I had a long way to go and many tasks before getting a car, I knew I wouldn’t be on this journey alone. I had plans of being one of the first Ways to Work recipients.
After several meetings, emails, phone calls and a ton of paperwork, it was time. Tim was armed and ready to present my file to the committee. I waited for hours and hours for an update. An outcome. Anything. I FINALLY received an email. I didn’t get approved. Although, I was very disappointed, I honestly believe that Tim was more disappointed and heartbroken than I was. He apologized and reminded me that I still have a chance so I shouldn’t give up. Immediately, we began working on my file for resubmission. The process was long and frustrating but necessary. Tim promised to do everything he possibly could in order to get me approved. In return, I promised to do my part and to not give up on the brand new program.
More times than a few, I wanted to throw in the towel and just give up. Even though I had introduced the program to a few others, I was quickly losing faith in it. I mean, after all, I didn’t have a car to prove that the program worked. Days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months and I was getting frustrated by the minute. I remember emailing Tim, telling him that I was tired, frustrated and DONE! What’s the point? Again, he calmed me down, made me focus and went over my packet one last time to make sure we provided everything the committee had requested.
Nearly three months from my initial meeting, Tim was presenting my loan request to the committee, again. By this time, I had learned so much, not only from myself & the program but from my loan coordinator. I had the most competent, compassionate and knowledgeable person going to bat for me. I was fully confident and even more optimistic about EVERYTHING now. I suppose this was a “learned behavior” that I’d witnessed from Tim from DAY 1!
FINALLY, I received the email that I had waited “forever” for! I was APPROVED! I’m not sure who was happier, Tim, my kids or me. Although, I didn’t get approved for the full amount, I was not worried in the least. The rain had stopped and the rainbow was visible! There was a car in my near future. Before I could ask “what do I do next” questions, my inbox was already filled with answers.
I began my search for a vehicle within my loan amount and hit a few snags. I quickly remembered why I hated shopping for cars. Nevertheless, Tim was with me throughout the entire process. He ALWAYS had a plan B, just in case. He kept me encouraged and hopeful even when someone else bought the vehicle that I had test driven the day BEFORE.
I was constantly getting updated emails from him with new dealerships to checkout. There was one company that he seemed to have total confidence in. He told me that he’d just had a meeting with the guys from BMRP Motorsports, in Riverdale. They were fully educated about the Ways to Work program and wanted to be a part of it. His excitement, confidence and optimism was enough to convince me to call.
At 4:00 p.m., I called Darnell of BMRP. He stated that Tim had already told him about me & he had the perfect car just waiting on me. Darnell recommended a test drive for later that evening. We met around 7:00 p.m. and I LOVED the car. He told me to take it home and test drive it for the weekend. I was shocked but after sitting down and talking with him I understood why he had so much trust in me. It was pretty simple…TIM BRADLEY! While Darnell had total trust in me, based on Tim’s word, he also had total FAITH in the Ways to Work Program based on Tim’s heart. I left with a big smile on my face and returned to BRMP a few days later. I had to drive the car back. I mean, how else would I have met Tim to sign my loan papers? YES, the car is officially mine!
I can’t say “thank you” enough. Thank you for introducing Ways to Work to Georgia. Thank you most of all for employing the most qualified candidate for the job and allowing him to change lives forever. Mr. Timothy Bradley is a professional man of integrity, with a heart of gold. Even when the odds were not favorable, he was ALWAYS a source of inspiration, vitality and hope.
Timothy Bradley = THE ESSENCE OF OPTIMISM
Sincerely,
T. Michelle Bowles