Staff from Lazydays Employee Foundation and Wheels of Success gathered for a special car presentation to an 18-year-old college student and former foster care youth. Wheels of Success provides personal transportation solutions by partnering with the community in a circle of support and this presentation is a perfect example of their mission in action.
Thanks to a car donation from a local resident along with funding for the repairs through a grant from the Lazydays Employee Foundation a vehicle was available to be matched with one of the many applicants in need of transportation to keep working and sustain their independence. As we all know, car insurance for first-time teenage driver is extremely expensive. The Lazydays Employee Foundation also covered a portion of Chelsey’s insurance making this all possible.
The presentation took place at Lazydays RV located at 6130 Lazy Days Blvd., Seffner, Fla.. Accompanying Chelsey to the presentation was her guardian Ad Litem who has been instrumental in helping her to navigate the process of becoming a first-time car owner as well as a full-time college student. Chelsey is enrolled at St. Petersburg College and like most 18-year-old freshman, she is contemplating her future and what she wants to major in.
Chelsey has endured many hardships despite her young age. Her father passed away when she was just 15 and her mother became homeless which is how Chelsey found herself in the foster care system. Rather than feel sorry for herself, she focused on her studies and successfully obtained her GED. She also landed a part-time job and excelled at her position as a server. Chelsey maintains a positive outlook and continues to do whatever is necessary to achieve her goals of independence and self-sufficiency. As the cover was removed from her “new to her” 1998 Lexus ES 300 in great condition with very low mileage, Chelsey was bubbling with excitement. The onlookers could not help but smile as the “keys to success” were handed to Chelsey and she carefully checked out her car for her first time.
Wheels of Success maintains monthly contact with all of their participants and we look forward to following Chelsey through her journey as well as providing regular updates on her milestones and achievements.
