When your dream loses its wheels
"Ways to Work" program helps needy people get back on the road
By Olivia Ayes
For the St. Louis American
Photo by Wiley Price |
Antoine Kennell is one of 1,100 people whom Provident Counseling has helped to repair or buy cars through its “Ways to Work" program. |
When you are chasing a dream, you need a ride.
If your ride breaks down or dies, the struggle of pursuing education or a career gets that much harder.
For some, being left without reliable personal transportation in a metropolitan region like St. Louis seems hopeless, but a loan program called "Ways to Work" may provide a helping hand.
Offered through Provident Counseling, Ways to Work (established in August 2004) enables eligible individuals to purchase or repair cars through small loans.
"We've had a tremendous response of over 1,100 inquiries to the small advertisement we posted," said Karen Jackson, program manager.
Antoine Kennell was one of those 1,100. An active parent of three, he is pursuing an associate's degree in visual communications at Missouri College in West County while working at The Adam's Mark Hotel in downtown St. Louis.
"It's a very good program," he said. 'The loan made it easier for me to pursue my plans. I can take care of what I need to be doing without having to wait on public transportation, especially in this weather."
The loans, a maximum of $4,000 for a used vehicle purchase or $750 for repairs, are distributed with an eight percent interest. For some, this loan is the difference between continuing to pursue higher goals and being knocked at least temporarily off the path.
The Ways to Work program exists nationally. Originally established by The McKnight Foundation in Minnesota in1984, the program began expanding nationally in 1996. Since then, thousands have been assisted by several million dollars in loans.
The initial funding for the Missouri division was dispersed from the Department of Transportation in the amount of $345,000, which must be implemented within two years.
Jackson said that continued funding for the program will require more community involvement, whether individual or business-linked.
"In order to receive funding, we must be able to match it. We can do this through cash contributions or donations and community partnerships."
The community partnerships involve agencies and businesses that offer services to the program."
For example, they can offer a discount on the car repairs or the car being purchased. Our clients could then get a car that’s dependable and know that they are getting the best deal for their money," she said.
Anyone in the community interested in partnering with the program is going to be very beneficial for the program."
For more information about the program, call 371-6500 ext. 1184.
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