Counting the day….State Farm makes it happen!
Franki is counting the days in anticipation of being presented with her car. It's been a long tough road for Franki. Her story begins with being a homeless female veteran with a newborn baby. She had the courage to get out of a domestic violence relationship and fend for herself and her infant son. Regardless of the consequences, Franki was determined to make it. And she did.
She secured housing through the HUD-VASH program and found a job within one week of moving to the Tampa Bay area. Talk to Franki and her determination and enthusiasm shines through the minute she starts talking. Instead of feeling sorry for herself and becoming depressed, Franki strives to become as she puts it, "a productive member of society and make a happy home and bright future for my son."
What will a vehicle do for Franki? In a word, everything. Finding herself without a car after the one she was gifted from a fellow vet broke down, has been a real setback. Franki says that one of the impacts of being without a vehicle has been on her son and his health. "My son is a day care baby. That means he picks up every virus, flu and infection and often needs medical attention. Trying to take an infant on long bus rides to the Doctor's office is difficult at best. For me a car means freedom and independence."
Franki was referred to us by one of our partners, Visions of Hope International and will receive her car at the Labor Day event on September 1, thanks to State Farm, as part of our Vehicles for Veterans program.
Wheels of Success' 9th Annual Labor Day event will be Monday, September 1st, from 9-11am during Turner Exposition's Florida's Largest Home Show at the Florida State Fairgrounds. We'll be getting 25 Tampa Bay families back on the road. With the help of your car donations and financial support, we were able to reach our goal!