Behind the Wheel, Mom Secures a New Life
For two years, Rogernette Green lived in a transitional shelter in Baltimore City, working to secure a better life for herself and her family. At times, it seemed the odds were against her.
With no car of her own, Ms. Green had to rely solely on public transportation or expensive cabs. This ate away at her savings and her ability to attend nursing classes, and ultimately the opportunity to move out of the shelter. The worst aspect was that it took away valuable time with her children, ages 11, 7 and 3.
When Ms. Green received the keys to her 1999 Toyota Avalon through the Board of Child Care’s Ways to Work program, she also received the keys to a better future. She was able to drive to different areas of the city and find an apartment in a safer neighborhood for her children. She also attended job interviews and landed a position at a nursing home not far from her new apartment.
“It helped me reach my goals – go to school, find a better job and do more with my children,” Ms. Green explains.
Ms. Green’s new used Toyota, which she playfully calls her “Tinkerbell,” “runs beautifully,” she says. She purchased the car for $4,800 and with her low interest Ways to Work loan the monthly payments are a manageable $185.
Ms. Green’s two oldest children say they love the car. “It helps us get to school in the morning,” says 11-year-old Gregory. Seven-year-old Aniyja adds, “We get to go any place we want, like the movies, McDonald’s and a friend’s house.”
Learn more about our Ways to Work Program.
