Asheville nonprofits Wheels4Hope and Helpmate recently partnered to provide a vehicle for a local family in need, according to a press release from Wheels4Hope. The two organizations held a special dedication ceremony in the United Way parking lot in downtown Asheville on Wednesday, October 14 at 12:30 p.m. to present the Valladares family with its new car.
“We [gathered] as a community to celebrate a special day for the Valladares family, Helpmate and Wheels4Hope,” says Jamie Beasley, Asheville coordinator for Wheels4Hope. “After a short dedication ceremony, Alejandra and her three children [drove] away in a donated and repaired 1996 Ford Taurus.”
Alejandra Valladares, a client of Helpmate, purchased the vehicle, valued at $2,000, for $500. The car will assist her in getting back and forth to work and transporting her children to activities and doctors’ appointments, according to the press release.
““My daughters and I been through a very tough few months; this blessing will be very helpful,” says Valladares. “I want to thank the donor from the bottom of my heart.”
Representatives from Helpmate and Wheels4Hope were on hand for the ceremony, the seventh car placement made possible by Wheels4Hope in the Asheville area. The organization, which aims to provide reliable, affordable transportation for families in in need, plans to partner with Helpmate on future car placements, according to Beasley.
“At Wheels4Hope and Helpmate, we know that reliable transportation is a critical piece of the puzzle to survive and thrive in this community, allowing people to care for their basic needs, remain employed, and spend time with their children and families,” say representatives from both organizations in a joint statement. “It can mean the difference between living in poverty and the middle class.”
For more information on Wheels4Hope and its efforts in the Asheville area, visit wheels4hope.org/asheville. To learn more about the family services and resources Helpmate provides to the greater Asheville community to combat domestic abuse, check out helpmateonline.org.
Press release:
Press Advisory: Wheels4Hope and Helpmate partner to provide a dependable car for a local family in need.
We will gather as a community to celebrate a special day for the Valladares family, Helpmate, and Wheels4Hope. After a short dedication ceremony, Alejandra and her three children will drive away in a donated and repaired 1996 Ford Taurus. The car, worth over $2,000, is not free, but rather purchased for $500 to promote ownership and accountability.
When?
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2015 from 12:30-1:15 PM.Where?
In the parking lot of the United Way building located at 50 South French Broad Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801.Who?
The car recipient, Alejandra Valladares, is a client of Helpmate who needs a safe, reliable vehicle to get to work, take her children to activities and appointments, and visit her family.“My daughters and I been through a very tough few months. This blessing will be very helpful. I want to thank the donor from the bottom of my heart.” – Alejandra Valladares
Wheels4Hope is a non-profit organization that refurbishes donated cars and matches them with economically vulnerable people who need them. Our innovative model bolsters the work of our trusted partners (Helpmate, Homeward Bound, Habitat for Humanity, and Community Action Opportunities), by placing the vehicles with their clients – the ones they believe need them the most.
Helpmate serves as Buncombe County’s primary provider of crisis-level services designed specifically for – and offered exclusively to – victims of domestic violence and their children. They provide safe, confidential shelter to survivors who are leaving dangerous and potentially lethal living situations.
At Wheels4Hope and Helpmate, we know that reliable transportation is a critical piece of the puzzle to survive and thrive in this community, allowing people to care for their basic needs, remain employed, and spend time with their children and families. It can mean the difference between living in poverty and the middle class. A car that starts opens the door to education, employment, and an improved quality of life.
We encourage you to join us for this exciting event, Wheels4Hope’s 7th car placement in Asheville.
Donated cars change lives!
On-Site at the United Way building at 12:30 on October 14:
– Alejandra Valladares and her family, new owners of the Ford Taurus
– Representatives from Helpmate
– Wheels4Hope Asheville Advisory Council members
– Jamie Beasley, Wheels4Hope Asheville Coordinator
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.