Back in 2014, life had narrowed to a single bedroom. Soultana had just moved back in with her parents, sharing the small space with her young son. She’d left behind a broken Volvo she couldn’t afford to fix and was starting over—again. A new job at Granite State Independent Living brought purpose, but at just $9 an hour, it barely covered necessities. The idea of affording car repairs? Out of reach. “I would’ve needed three paychecks just for the parts,” she recalled.

Through the New Hampshire Employment Program (NHEP), she learned about Good News Garage’s Wheels to Work program. And on September 26, 2014, hope rolled back into her life in the form of a green 1998 Subaru Forester with 160,000 miles on it. “I loved it,” she said. It wasn’t just a car—it was independence.

With that Forester, she could finally pick up her clients, getting to their homes on her own time. She could take her son to daycare, to soccer and baseball nearly every day. The beach trips—those were big. “We didn’t think we were going to be able to do that anymore,” she said. The car also got her to doctor’s appointments, where she was being treated for cancer. “Being able to get there, to my surgery—it made all the difference.”

A year later, she and her son moved into a new apartment. Slowly, life began to rebuild. Today, her son is heading to college to study computer engineering, and Soultana herself has come full circle—now working at Good News Garage since November 1, 2024.

“The sound of happiness in a recipient’s voice brings back all those good memories for me—the relief of getting that phone call,” she said. Now, she’s the one making those calls, connecting donated cars with people who need them most. “People don’t realize what a difference a car can make. I’m glad I get to be part of that.”

For Soultana, and for so many others, Good News Garage wasn’t just about transportation—it was about transformation.

Having a car is more than just the ability to get from point A to point B. It’s a tool that provides us with an overwhelming feeling of independence, and it provides us with invaluable peace of mind.

“I am so grateful. This car is vital for my daughter’s health due to ongoing medical needs. It will be used to travel to appointments in Boston, New Hampshire, and here in Burlington. As a single mom, I’ll be able to get a job and tend to my daughter’s needs. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have answered my prayers,” said Zoe upon being handed the keys to her donated Honda.

Imagine the relief Zoe’s family feels now that they don’t need to worry about how they’ll get to critical medical care, work, and everywhere else.

Your old or unused car can change a neighbor’s life. Let’s pass your keys!

In February of 2022, when Massachusetts resident Linda Santos was awarded a 2007 Toyota Prius, she was at a pivotal point in her life. Recovering from the loss of her fiancé and a deep depression, her Prius provided a new sense of hope and freedom. She told her hometown paper, the Kingston Reporter, “This has meant the world to me, I’m just so grateful,” she said. “Now I’m trying to give back.”

Now three years later, Linda is living life to its fullest. She’s still driving the Prius she received from Good News Garage. “It has been a great car,” she said. “It is extremely reliable and such a wonderful blessing.” The car enabled her to begin attending church services in person for the first time in years. At the first service she attended she met a kind man who was greeting folks at the door. “Mike and I have been together for three years now,” she said. “He is the love of my life.”

Reflecting on the past three years, she said “I never would have imagined that receiving such a blessing would turn into so many more blessings for myself and others whom I vowed to give back to. The car helped me get a steady job as a personal care assistant for a 99-year-old woman, but I also got a lot more than that.”

In the peaceful hills of Vermont, Dmytro and his family found a new home after fleeing Ukraine due to war. Dmytro used to be a pediatric doctor back in Ukraine, but in the US, his medical degree couldn’t be used the same way. He found work in the emergency department at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, but getting there was tough without a car.

In April 2023, things changed when Good News Garage gave Dmytro a 2005 Toyota Corolla. This car made a big difference in Dmytro’s life. He could now drive to work in Lebanon, NH, and back to his home in northern VT, where he lives with his wife and children. The car also helped his oldest child, who got a job and bought their own car to go to work and help the family with errands.

The car didn’t just help with work. It made it easier for Dmytro to take care of his family and be part of the community. His youngest two children could go to school and activities more easily, making life better for everyone.

Access to transportation is a significant challenge for many refugees like Dmytro. According to the International Rescue Committee, refugees often face barriers to transportation, which can limit their access to essential services and opportunities. For Dmytro, the car from Good News Garage has been a lifeline, enabling him to rebuild his life and provide for his family in his new home. His story is a testament to the transformative power of a simple act of kindness.

Prior to being awarded a donated car, Jennifer was a client of our Ready To Go microtransit program. This program provides a vital service to children and their parents by using vans to give them rides to important places, such as work, childcare, and school. Public transportation isn’t always available in rural areas of New England, which is where Ready To Go becomes a lifeline to the outside world and forward progress. Jennifer utilized this service for months to help her family get from A to B, and back. It allowed her to continue moving forward in life while working and saving up money for a car.

“I appreciate the help you give others; it made a huge difference for me,” she told Good News Garage. “Thank you so much for everything. I’m so excited.

On a rainy April day, Jennifer took her last Ready To Go ride. Her destination was Good News Garage’s office in Burlington, Vermont.  From there, she drove home to her family in a donated 2007 Toyota Camry.

Jennifer wrote the donor of her new car a note saying, “Because of you, I will be able to get to work and have a safe vehicle for my little girl. I really can’t thank you enough.”

We’re very proud of Jennifer’s journey to independence and excited for all the things she’ll encounter on the road ahead.

Over 20 years ago, Siobhan received an Eagle Summit Wagon from Good News Garage. We caught up with her to see how her life has changed over the past 2+ decades, and hear about the role her Summit Wagon played in helping her family move forward in life.

GNG: Siobhan, thank you for speaking with us. When you received your car over 20 years ago, how did it change your life at the time?

Siobhan: It literally changed the way I did everything. All of the things that I then could just do at the drop of a hat, whatever I wanted to, was like…it was a game changer! And you don’t even realize how much having a car is necessary until you have one, and you’re like, “Wow, how did I do this before having a car?”

GNG: Why is donating a car to Good News Garage so important?

Siobhan: Young families that have kids have to be able to get places. Just your basic needs can be so challenging without a vehicle. The amount of time it takes to get anywhere, well, either you don’t go, or it takes you 2 hours. Certain things I wouldn’t do because I knew I was going to have to ask a friend for a ride and I didn’t want to have to inconvenience them.

GNG: What’s something special your car helped you do?

Siobhan: It’s going to sound silly, but honestly, just visiting my parents. Like being in my car whenever I want and say, “Hey, I’m going to bring your grandkid over so that we can have some quality time together as a family.” Because even though they only lived half an hour away, again, it was all highway! I couldn’t walk it.

GNG: Any final thoughts about your donated car?

Siobhan: It just improves my life so much, having the ability to be able to drive myself when I wanted, where I wanted.

Photo credit: CZmarlin – Christopher Ziemnowicz

When Spencer was awarded his 2000 Lexus ES300, he wrote the donor of the car a thank-you note. He said, “Thank you so much for your donation. This car is going to help me reach my goals, both at work and academically.”

After only owning his donated car for a few days, it has already opened new doors for Spencer. By having his own transportation, Spencer has been able to take on more shifts at the grocery store he works at. This has helped him prove to his manager that he is a dedicated, responsible employee who brings value to his company. This car will help me “step up to the next level,” said Spencer.

Spencer hopes to pursue a career in law enforcement and looks forward to getting back to attending in-person classes. With his new wheels, he is destined to go places.

Caitlin was referred to Good News Garage through our partnership with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. At the time, she was working two part-time jobs and still struggling to get ahead without having reliable transportation. Riding her bike to work would only allow her to work at certain times, and within a short distance from home. Her goal of obtaining her bachelor’s degree seemed out of reach.

A generous car donor who wanted to pass their keys to a neighbor in need turned to Good News Garage. We received the keys to their 2002 Toyota Camry and instantly knew it would be Caitlin’s ride towards self-sufficiency.

As with every donated car that we award, we made all the necessary repairs to make sure the car will be safe and reliable for Caitlin. Fortunately, this 2002 Toyota was in great shape and was ready to take Caitlin everywhere she needs to go!

The Good News Garage staff met Caitlin on a sunny, but cold winter day to hand her the keys to her new car.

Caitlin said, “Thank you so much for all of this help with getting me a car so that I am able to work and have a good life! This is so exciting and lovely. I am so happy!”

She personally thanked our staff for their help, adding “thank you for everything you’ve done over the past few months. It has made my world already so much more hopeful.”

Caitlin’s hometown newspaper, The Gardner News, joined in the celebration by sharing the news in this article.

Please join us in wishing Caitlin well on the road ahead!

Learn more about our transportation programs in Massachusetts.

Due to transportation limitations, our client Sedenia was spending two hours commuting just eight miles each way to work, every day! And, since she needed to spend so much time commuting, she was limited to accepting only part-time work so that she had enough time to get to her job and back.

Fortunately, Sedenia was able to overcome her transportation struggles thanks to a generous car donor who turned to Good News Garage. She now has a 2012 Mazda 5! Her old two-hour commute will only take about 30 minutes, leaving her with time to pick up more hours at work and the ability to complete her education and career goals. Plus, much more family time with her children!

Sedenia was referred to Good News Garage through our partnership with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC). Working with the MRC, Good News Garage awards vehicles to Massachusetts residents who cannot afford to purchase cars on their own. Car recipients must be employed or have a written plan for employment. This program is administered out of Good News Garage’s Manchester, New Hampshire office.

Sedenia’s good fortune was covered in a local news article, which you can view here.

Please join us in a round of applause for the car donor who solved Sedenia’s transportation struggles. We wish Sedenia and her family all the best!

Our client, Teneka, received a 2004 Toyota Sienna from us back in September of 2017. She recently checked in with us and said, “Having a car has made my life so much easier — easier to go to work and school to make a successful living for my family. I was able to go back to the community college that I used to attend years ago. I want to really thank you guys for assisting me in a time that I needed you the most.”

Help a local family at a time when they need you the most. Donate a car, truck, or van today!

Our client Mia was awarded a 2007 Kia Spectra in late April of 2020. She checking in with us just a few months later with an update on her progress.

“Since receiving the Kia, I have gained so much freedom. I am now able to take care of my responsibilities without being overly concerned about coordinating transportation. I have been able to pick up more work hours. I am even considering attending college again,” she said.

“Because of this opportunity, I have been able to leave domestic violence, provide for my daughter, and raise her in a healthy environment. I have been taking my life back. Thank you for the work that you do and the kindness that you have shown. There are no words to express my gratitude.”