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.

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

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 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.”