Life-Changing Programs in the Twin Cities
Not long ago, Twin Cities Live hared the story of a new partnership: Richard Herod III, the general manager at White Bear Mitsubishi, wanted to help the Wheels for Women Program at the Newgate School in Minneapolis.
This program is terrific. It provides vehicles to mothers who are without reliable transportation. Since that story aired, White Bear Mitsubishi and the Newgate School have seen an overwhelming response from you at home who want to help. Thank you.
They've already awarded another recipient with a much-deserved car. Twin Cities Live photographer Drew Schingen, stopped by the Newgate School to see the impact Wheels for Women is making.
When asked of their partnership with the Newgate School, Herod added, "White Bear Mitsubishi is proud to partner for the wheel for women program because we think it's really important to help single mothers get back on their feet, particularly if they have kids and need a way to work. This is a unique opportunity for people to donate their vehicles to the Newgate School. It's tax-deductible. The vehicles are used within the training program for the school. They help educate technicians and people who want to learn body repair. At the end of it, Newgate uses the proceeds from the sale of the vehicles to help teach those kids. They also use the vehicles as a donation to deserving mothers."
Shantell Mullen is a student in the Newgate Program. "I've been a student4 at Newgate for about a month. So far, I'm really enjoying the learning process. The instructors are very thorough. They know everything that you need to know, and no question is a stupid question. They always have the answer for you. They also teach you how to find your own answers, which is really good.
Kimberly Brown tells her story: "While I was driving down Randolph, I was getting ready to pass Saratoga. A guy came and sideswiped me. We went to the hospital on the same day. I had a minor concision. My eldest daughter injured her foot under the seat from the impact. She had some bruising and a sprained ankle. My youngest daughter hit the bridge of her nose. We've only been able to make a few doctor's appointments and had to cancel some of them since we no longer had a vehicle. I've missed several days of work because we didn't have a car."
Ms. Brown was amazed by her donated car from the Wheels for Women program. Despite having over 100,000 miles on it, it had a lot left in the tank. It needed repairs on the brakes and exhaust. Students in the Newgate program also covered the minor and routine things, including a complete inspection to ensure it was running right.
"I love the car. The car is fabulous. It is so beautiful. I don't even know how to say thank you enough. It's gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous," exclaimed Ms. Brown.
Mr. Herod understands how impactful the Wheels for Women program really is. "Single parents work hard to put food on the table. They work hard to pay bills, to clothe us. If it wasn't for these kind gifts from the Salvation Army and whatnot, I wouldn't be who I am today. I think it's great to be in a position to give back to the community and help encourage others to also participate."
Ms. Mullen has come full circle with the Newgate School program: "When my son was two years old, I needed a car. I was just starting out. I just got a new job. I actually came here to get my car. Now here I am learning the process. I'm on the other end and working on cars to provide people the same push that I got."
Your Story is Their Story
The story of the students in the Newgate School program, along with stories of the countless mothers who have received a car through the Wheels for Women program, belongs to every one of us. If you'd like to donate a car to the Newgate school, stop by with the title. We can take care of the rest. If you're a single mother in need of a reliable vehicle or someone looking to join the program, contact us today to learn how the Newgate School can help turn your life around.