Helping Single Mothers in MN Regain Their Independence
A reliable car can make the difference when it comes to being self-sufficient. As you get older, owning a dependable vehicle is a sign of true independence. It gives you the ability to get where you need to go. This independence is especially important for single moms.
The hard-working staff at White Bear Mitsubishi has teamed up with the Newgate School in Minneapolis to provide single moms with much-needed transportation.
The Newgate School has been part of the Twin Cities community for over forty years. We started in 1975 with a mission to help support lower-income young adults. These men and women learn to become more self-sufficient and independent members of the community.
Wheels for Women starts in the 1980s after we noticed a high need from a specific group of people: single mothers. The lack of access to reliable transportation is a real barrier to this group. These moms have difficulty finding work, managing a household, and raising children.
White Bear Mitsubishi is proud to partner with the Newgate School’s Wheels for Women program in several ways:
- Become a drop site where people can donate vehicles to the school
- Helping source vehicles to donate to the program
One recipient of a repaired car said, “It was the biggest blessing. Me and my kids have to walk about ten blocks to get on the bus. We have to leave around 4:00 or 5:00 in the morning, so I can get them to daycare and make it to work on time. I have a 12-year-old son, a nine-year-old daughter, and boy-girl twins who are seven. Caiden is my video gamer. Kylie is definitely the mother figure; she loves taking care of people. My twins are crazy. They get in trouble quite often as they are mischievous. We’re able to go out and do more. I don’t have to rely on other people or the bus system to take us places. It could take a week just to go grocery shopping just because I’d have to wait on a ride, or you can only take four bags on the bus. Thank you again for this blessing. It meant the world to me and my kids.”
The most important part of our program is the car donations that we get from the community. We depend on those and the generosity of the people who bring those into us. The Newgate School uses donated vehicles to help educate and train students on vehicle repair. Whether it’s engine repair or body repair, all vehicles donated get fixed up so they can be donated to eligible mothers.
Vehicles can also be fixed up so they can be sold to help fund the school. The school doesn’t actually charge tuition for students learning how to fix engines or body issues.
Our goal is to at least give away three cars per month. That’s 36 cars per year. With the new partnership we have with White Bear Mitsubishi, we’re really hoping to expand that program.
“Coming from a single-parent household myself in a low-income situation, I certainly identify with the program. It’s really great to be part of it,” says Richard, one of the Newgate Schools employees.
If you would like to donate a car to the Newgate School or you’re in need of a car through their Wheels for Women program, you can learn more by visiting www.newgateschool.org.
A Chance for Change
The programs at the Newgate School wouldn’t operate without generous donations from members of the community. Your car donation helps at-risk students learn valuable skills while also providing reliable transportation to those in need. Your donation can even earn you a sizable tax credit.
Don’t let an unused car go to waste when it could make a huge impact on your community. Contact the Newgate School today to learn more.