In May of 2019, Janelle was accepted into the recently introduced Buy Car Program. Janelle was in need of a reliable vehicle for her and her young son so that she could get to appointments, but, more importantly, so that she had better opportunities for employment. Utilizing ride share and public transportation can be extremely limiting to employment.

Janelle had encountered some difficulties on her journey and had recently returned to Lake County from Texas. She was set on improving her situation and was working with another Lake County agency on finding better employment and some basic life skills. A member of this agency directed her to Lifeline for the Buy Car Program.

To meet the requirements of the program, Janelle saved one-third the cost of the vehicle while participating in our Financial Empowerment Program. Lifeline matched her savings with the other two-thirds up to the $5000 total cap for the program.

“When I met with Janelle, she was a vibrant and motivated individual,” said Lifeline Program Coordinator Tiffany Menosky. “She was willing and determined to put in the time and follow the plan to get her the next level of self-sufficiency.”

Janelle purchased her vehicle in August 2019 and left the program more independent and with a stronger skill set in financial responsibility.

 “Thanks to the Buy Car Program not only do I have a newer, reliable car, but also am fully educated in credit, budgeting and prioritizing correctly for setting and reaching goals,” said Janelle of her experience in the program. “I truly believe that everyone needs to learn these skills and use these tools to be self-sufficient. For the first time in my life I bought a car from a dealership and it opened up so many opportunities. I couldn’t be more thankful!”