Success Story: Jenn

“Getting there safely!” is a major factor in whether a victim can escape the cycle of domestic violence and become independent.

In April 2016, Wheels placed Jenn and her son in a “new-to-her” 2002 Buick Century Ltd. Jenn took her key and found success! Her car helped her find a home of her own, a new job where she now makes $20 an hour, and has also returned to school. Jenn even paid her “wheels” off early. We are proud of Jenn knowing that her future is in her good hands.

None of this would have been possible if the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay {CFTB), its Southshore donors’ families – those living in Apollo Beach, Gibsonton, Riverview, Ruskin, Sun City Center and Wimauma, and Wheels of Success’ help. CTFB, www.cftampabay.org, provides funding to Wheels of Success to help Southshore families find transportation solutions they need to keep working.

Jenn’s Past Situation

Jenn’s previous car, with 250,000 miles, had helped her take her son to daycare or doctors’ appointments and commute hours to and from work- replenishing quarts of oil and power steering fluid daily. Jenn knew she couldn’t rely on her car anymore after the driver side window and door stopped working. If something happened to the passenger door she would not be able to escape her car.

“Getting there safely!” is a major factor in whether a victim can escape the cycle of domestic violence and become independent. Due to lack to reliable safe transportation Jenn, found herself homeless with an infant son. With the help of Mary & Martha house, Jenn was able to find housing in south Hillsborough away from her abuser. She still needed a safe reliable vehicle to maintain her independence and support herself and her infant son by getting to work.