Program Summary

Program Services

Wheels of Success provides qualified clients with:

• Dependable transportation in the form of a car, truck or van
• Assistance with automotive repairs, preventative maintenance and car-care classes for families who have transportation but cannot afford repairs and maintenance

Wheels of Success obtains vehicles through purchase or donation, then works with automotive partners to restore them to safe, reliable operating condition.

The program is built on a pay-it-forward model. Clients who receive a vehicle make affordable monthly payments based on their ability to pay and complete service hours for the organization. These contributions help sustain the program and make it possible for Wheels of Success to serve additional families.

Priority Population and Program Qualifications

Program qualifications are central to the Wheels of Success model. The program prioritizes families who demonstrate both transportation need and a commitment to employment stability. Eligible families generally meet the following criteria:

• Live and work in Hillsborough, Pinellas, or Pasco counties
• Earn low-to-moderate incomes and lack the resources to purchase, repair, or maintain reliable transportation without assistance
• Are employed full time, have a verified job offer, or are unable to return to work because of transportation barriers
• Are ineligible for most government-assisted transportation programs, with limited exceptions such as:
  • Unemployment Compensation
  • Medicaid
  • Food Stamps

In addition:

• Priority is given to families with children, single-parent households, underemployed two-parent households, veterans, caregivers, survivors of domestic violence, and young adults aging out of foster care when transportation is the primary barrier to employment or family stability.

Required Documentation and Client Commitments

To ensure that assistance is directed to families most ready to benefit from the program, applicants must provide documentation and agree to the following commitments:

• Proof of employment, proof of a verified job offer, or documentation that employment was lost or delayed because of transportation issues, such as:
  • Pay stubs verifying 30 consecutive days of employment
  • W2 form from the previous year
  • Employer verification
  • Offer of employment
• Referral from an approved source, including:
  • Social Service Agencies
  • Employers
• Proof of insurance (if applicable)
• Application review and approval by the Guideline Committee appointed by the Wheels of Success Board of Directors
• Execution of a client agreement confirming:
  • Commitment to remain employed and notify the organization of any employment change or termination
  • Agreement to pay it forward through monthly service hours, affordable payments, or other approved support that benefits future Wheels of Success clients
  • Optional agreement to provide a public testimonial

Program Funding and Support

Wheels of Success relies on a combination of donated vehicles, financial contributions, grants, automotive partnerships, fundraising, and board support to sustain and expand its services.

• Automobile donations/reduced-price sales
• Donations of automotive parts and services
• Corporate and individual donations
• Fundraising
• Board of Director support