Success Story: Fannie

Fannie is 72 years old and her foster daughter is 13, she has been taking care of her since she was born. Fannie had a car but it broke down in 2012 and she went 6 years without a car. She worried about how she would make it to work as well as getting her foster daughter to school and the activities she was enrolled in. Her foster daughter chimed in, “It was pretty crazy – I would watch her stress out every month trying to come up with the money to pay for the rental car and she had to leave a lot in order to pick up the rental car and then return it when she did not have the money to rent it.” She added, “I love the car my foster mom got because now things are calm, she does not have to stress out about not having a car or the money to rent a car. I get to go to Fossil Park more, and do more things at school.”

Fannie told us, “I cried every day because I could not always pay for the rental car. It was heartbreaking – I was depressed, I lost weight, but mostly I was worried about my daughter not being able to go to her dance lessons which she loves, as well as her other activities.” Fannie and her foster daughter both told us how much they love the 2005 Volvo S40 they received through Wheels of Success’ “Build A Car/Build-A-Life” program. Because of the car, Fannie has been able to maintain employment and look for a better job. She was able to work more hours and different shifts now that she no longer had to worry about walking to work. In the past, she lost a job because she called off too many times when transportation fell through for her. The car allowed Fannie and her foster daughter to travel outside of the immediate area and visit family which was very important to them. They are regulars at their church now, attending bible study, teen youth group, Sunday services and other activities held by the church.

In addition to dance lessons, Tariah was also nominated for the Mayor’s Award. Thanks to the Volvo, they were both able to attend the award ceremony, held at the Mahaffey Theater! Fannie told us, life is easier today, I do not have to worry like I used to. I cannot say enough good things about the program here and I am so grateful for what Wheels of Success did for me and my family!