On March 21, 2015 - 100 women gathered at Fulfill Your Destiny’s Spring Chari-Tea.  A highlight of the event was the presentation of convertible keys to Emmalee, a young woman aging out of foster care.  As the presentation took place, many of the woman gathered together could not hold back their tears.  The event took place from 2:30 – 4:30 pm at the Empress Tea Room at 12924 North Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618.   

 Emmalee is a young woman who is aging out of the foster care system.  In foster care since the age of 16, Emmalee’s determination has allowed her to complete her GED despite her simultaneous transition into the system.  She is a trade school graduate and will soon be completing her education at Chelsea Jones St. Petersburg College.  Wheels of Success’ Wheels to the Future was designed to enable youth aging out of foster care to maintain employment, pursue further education and prosper in life..because after all, who else is there to provide them with their first car?

The 1997 Audi Cabriolet convertible that Emily happily received the keys to will dramatically alter her life.  “Wheels of Success is changing my life in the best ways.  Three months ago I hit rock bottom.  I thought life would never give me a break.  Receiving a vehicle is going to give me the opportunity to take on an additional job and help me achieve independence. The time spent waiting on rides and walking to my destinations can now be spent making more money, studying to further my education, and enjoying life” says vehicle recipient Emmalee.

Preparation of the vehicle was funded by a generous grant from the nonprofit Fulfill Your Destiny.  Fulfill Your Destiny’s mission is to help people whose careers have been altered by injury or other unforeseen circumstances.   Most recently, founder Karen Metes was honored as a 2015 Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida.

Wheels of Success was incorporated in 2003 by Founder and CEO Susan Jacobs to help families continue working by delivering reliable transportation solutions, Wheels of Success is Tampa Bay’s only 501(c)3 nonprofit organization providing a full range of transportation solutions including vehicle replacement, car repair, licensing, car payment and down payment assistance to low and moderate income working families.  To date, the organization has provided 770 vehicles and an additional 717 car-related services to Tampa Bay area families. 

To donate a vehicle or repair funds specifically for this program or any of their programs please visit www.wheelsofsuccess.org or call 813-417-1090.