Shelisha Melton and her road-ready VW
POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County’s “Wheels to Work” program, designed to help low-income county residents obtain or keep a job, Friday presented five families with pre-owned vehicles.
The program, begun in 2001, gives vehicles to participants who come from a family that receives Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding or whose family income is less than 200 percent of the poverty level.
Since the beginning of the program, 887 cars have been provided to families and two others were donated to local veterans through a new collaborative of the program.
“The vehicles represent a much-needed chance to provide a better life for themselves and their families – new or better employment, dependable transportation to and from doctor’s appointments and school functions for their children and the ability to purchase nutritious food from the grocery store,” said County Executive Marcus Molinaro. “These recipients have dedicated the time and effort to change their lives, and Dutchess County looks forward to their continued success.”
The vehicles come from local used car dealers. Participants are trained in car care and defensive driving and if needed, are assisted in obtaining a learner’s permit or driver’s license.
