Wheels of Success

12/05/2022

Local nonprofit Wheels of Success is revving engines for ’12 Cars of Christmas’

https://www.wfla.com/daytime/local-nonprofit-wheels-of-success-is-revving-engines-for-12-cars-of-christmas/
Thanks so much to Daytime TV on Channel 8 who talked to us today about our program and our upcoming 12 Cars of Christmas! Click the link below

Wheels of Success, the local nonprofit that helps working people own a reliable source of transportation, is gearing up for major vehicle distribution this holiday season. Founder and CEO Susan Jac…

12/05/2022

Getting in the holiday spirit and working toward our 12 Cars of Christmas!

11/30/2022

Thank you to everyone who donated via Facebook, snail mail and webmail! We raised $1,500 - enough to repair one of our 12 Cars of Christmas that had a smaller repair than our normal $2,500. Watch for photos of the recipient in their car!

11/28/2022

Help us Build A “Giving Tuesday” Car for our 12 Cars of Christmas. We are almost half way there and need your help to cross the Finish Line http://wheelsofsuccess.org/want-to-help/donation.html

11/26/2022

Help Us Make a Difference on Giving Tuesday - BUILD-A-CAR

is just around the corner! Click here to see why we do what we do to keep working families working in Tampa Bay!

Won't you help a family by donating your car or helping us build one?   Won't you help a working family by donating your car or helping us build one? Help us reach our goal for our 12 Cars of Christma

11/24/2022

From everyone at Wheels of Success - here's to a wonderful Thanksgiving and we are ever so thankful for our funders and sponsors that help keep the wheels turning for working families in Tampa Bay.

11/23/2022

Wheels of Success has won a 2022 Top-Rated Award from ()! Read inspiring stories about us and add your own - click here:
https://greatnonprofits.org/org/wheels-of-success-inc-1
Help us keep working families working in Tampa Bay!

11/21/2022

Another great Car Care Class was held Saturday for our future car recipients. All car recipients must take our Wheels of Success Care Care Class as part of our program requirements. We had some great participants who were ready to learn and are working hard to obtain reliable transportation to help them further their jobs and ambitions. Jacobs

11/15/2022

A heartfelt thank-you to Alicia Caridi of Marshall Dennehey law firm who selected US as her charity to give $1,000 to! The law firm she practices with celebrated their 60th Anniversary with a 60 Charities for 60 Years - letting each lawyer in their firm select their charity of choice and Alicia chose us - making it even more special that we were chosen. Every donation counts and helps keep working families working! Thank you Alicia and Marshall Dennehey for your generosity!

11/11/2022

Army Vet receives much needed car thanks to Wheels of Success

Check out our news story that aired today on ABC Action News about our Vehicles for Veterans Program! Special thanks to the donor of the car who specified she wanted it to go to a veteran and the funder, SolartTek Window Tinting, Inc. who was the funder for the car repairs.

Brad Houston, who served in the Army from 2008-2011, received a used Honda Accord from Wheels of Success, allowing him the opportunity to go back to school and drive to work.

11/11/2022

Susan Jacobs

11/11/2022

Congrats to GTE Financial! So grateful to have your support which has helped so many!

11/10/2022

Robert Boyd, ABC Action News reporter was out filming (and interviewing) for this Veteran's Day story scheduled to air tomorrow (Friday) afternoon our Wheels of Success' Vehicles for Veterans Program and a heartwarming story about this veteran car recipient about to receive his new-to-him car to celebrate Veteran's Day -Channel 28 3:00 PM Special thanks to SolarTek Window Tinting for funding the repairs for the car our Army veteran will be receiving.

10/31/2022

Congrats to Christopher who purchased this vehicle through our social enterprise. An electrician, who had fallen on hard times during the pandemic and could not afford to repair his vehicle to get to work. After diagnosing the vehicle and determining we could not readily get all the parts needed, we decided to put him through our ABC Program to purchase a vehicle at a reduced cost with NO interest or down payment. It will be a win - win, because he’s using the vehicle to go down to Fort Myers to provide his much needed services as an electrician and keep him on the road to success. This would not have been possible without funding from Solartek! Thank you Michael!

10/31/2022

Happy Halloween from all of us at Wheels of Success! We hope your day is spooktacular!
https://smile.amazon.com/

10/28/2022

The holidays are coming up. It doesn't cost you a penny to send us lots of pennies! Sign up for Amazon Smile and name us as your charity - here's the link: https://smile.amazon.com/

10/21/2022

Don't forget to do a car check since October is Fall National Car Care Month! Have a great weekend from

10/19/2022

October is Domestic Violence Month. Did you know we started out in The Family Justice Center in Tampa because the majority of our referrals were domestic violence related? While we have added several more programs, domestic violence still remains our largest category of referrals. How sad that nothing has changed in almost twenty years to lessen this problem. This month we have already put two dv survivors into vehicles and hope to do one more before the month ends. Do you have a car to donate that will enable a survivor to escape their abuser and become self-sufficient? You can specify that in your donation.

This is one of October's car recipient's story:
Ej is a 23 year-old single mom of a 2 year old daughter who had to flee a domestic violence situation. Since that time, EJ has had to deal with numerous hurdles from working a night shift and not seeing her daughter until late in the evenings, coordinating child care and a host of other transportation issues. From using Ubers and walking long treks to her daughter’s school it had taken its toll on her finances and making ends meet. To make matters worse, she was unable to leave her domestic abuse situation because she had no way to get to work or other basic necessities - she was basically trapped in this frightening situation.

When asked what a new-to-her car would do to change her life? EJ responded, “This vehicle will enable me to get a better job, hopefully one that is a day-shift so I can see my daughter more and we can develop more of a routine. It will also be so nice to go to the park or beach and someday my daughter wants to be able to go to the Aquarium - she loves animals. Something as simple as getting groceries or going to a grocery store means everything.”

Her plans for the future? “I would like to someday go back to school and get a degree in journalism or creative writing so that one day I can tell my own story to impact other young women, single moms or teen girls,” she said. “I’m looking forward to a fresh start.”

Thank you to the car donor who designated this 2003 Toyota Forerunner in mint condition for a single mom. You’ve put her on the road to independence!

10/19/2022

Congratulations to our partner GTE Financial for winning another prestigious award. We are so proud to be one of the charities they support. Click here for more: https://tinyurl.com/GTEaward

10/18/2022

One month just isn’t enough. National Car Care Month comes around twice a year, every October and April. October is when the days start to get shorter, you lean more heavily on your headlights while driving in the fall. Check and replace your bulbs where necessary to ensure your beams stay bright this fall. Wet fallen leaves can also turn road conditions slippery in the fall, so checking in on your tires isn’t a bad idea either. Your battery should also get an evaluation to ensure it’s ready for colder weather and the possibility of extra driving from school starting.
Preventative Car Maintenance by the Season Checklist:
1. Replace Tires.
2. Change Oil.
3. Check Brakes.
4. Check Fluids.
5. Routine Mechanic Visit.
*Source: Nationwide Car Care Month

10/17/2022

October is Distracted Driving Awareness Month - When you hear “distracted driving,” it means anything that takes your eyes or mind off the task of driving. While checking your phone may be the main thing that comes to mind, it ALSO includes eating, grooming, reaching for fallen objects, changing the radio or console controls, or lively interactions with passengers.
Distracted driving has worsened post-pandemic. Consider the following increase in driving behaviors:
• Texting or emailing: 26% (up from 19% pre-pandemic).
• Browsing social media: 20% (up from 13% pre-pandemic).
• Taking videos and pictures: 19% (up from 10% pre-pandemic).
• Shopping online: 17% (up from 8% pre-pandemic).

We're urging everyone I know this month to commit to driving distraction-free.

According to a March 2022 survey, two-thirds of drivers (66%) say that holding a cell phone to talk, text, or use an app while driving is dangerous, yet half (51%) admitted to doing it anyway.
*Data from the 2021 Travelers Risk Index shows

10/13/2022

Just in time for Halloween!

09/22/2022

📣 Holiday Assistance to families in need is currently being coordinated by University Area CDC and Metropolitan Ministries. MetroMin provides qualifying families in need with food for a full holiday meal at Thanksgiving and again at Christmas, along with toys for children.

➡️ For more information, visit www.metromin.org/holiday-central or call 813-209-1200. To register, visit the University Area Community Center.

09/21/2022

We'd like to share an unsolicited testimonial on this World Gratitude Day that was sent to us from one of our previous clients. This is why we do what we do - and WE are grateful to all of our funders and supporters who allow us to continue our mission....
"Growing up in the foster care system I always understood that life would be a bit rougher for me than most. Simple activities such as going to college, getting a job, building my credit or getting my own home would be an uphill battle that I was prepared to tackle. The first biggest obstacle in my way at the time was my lack of a vehicle. With big dreams for my future yet not having access to a vehicle life’s challenges tended to be harder, and my lack of knowledge and options on cars also had me weary. Knowing that a reliable running car would be pricey yet what I needed for better opportunities such a big purchase seemed quite intimidating. With very limited options at the time I am so grateful for Ms. Susan and being able to participate as a candidate with Wheels of Success. Not only was I provided a great affordable vehicle but also an educational course to help me keep my car in the best shape and access to trustworthy mechanical services, boosting my confidence as a car owner. Wheels of Success was one of the best opportunities that helped push me not only into getting a better career but also in building my credit. Five years later as I prepare to buy my first home I want to scream a joyful THANK YOU to the whole teams at Wheels of Success for being one of Tampa’s most impactful programs and making real time change in our lives. From the amazing people working as volunteers, to the counseling and mechanical staff, investors and partners (special thanks to AAA and GTE) thank you all!" Guerline

09/19/2022

15 Important Old Car Maintenance Tips - Fix Auto USA

The tips in this article are covered in our monthly Car Care Classes for our potential recipients (required). Many of us can still benefit from these maintenance tips to keep your car running and safe.

Read on for these simple old car maintenance tips and chances are that you’ll keep your car running for a long time to come.

09/12/2022

Didn’t realize it was today! Might have to celebrate it tomorrow

Happy Monday — and happy national Day of Encouragement!

🙏👍

National Day of Encouragement is observed each year on September 12. The day is dedicated to uplifting people around us and making a positive impact.

Who will you encourage today?
Here are a few ideas! ⬇️

- Let somebody know you notice their progress, even if small

- Send a text or call somebody you know who may be struggling

- Attend a friend’s event or support their business

- Point out something someone does right instead of wrong

- Provide reassurance when people are doubting themselves

🙏 Have a great day!

09/12/2022

Artist lineup revealed for St. Pete’s eighth annual SHINE Mural Festival — St. Pete Rising

On my calendar

From cooling temperatures to early sunsets, pumpkin patches to pumpkin spice lattes, there are numerous things that signify fall in the Sunshine City. But our most anticipated sign of fall is the SHINE Mural Festival, which takes place every October on the streets of St. Pete. The SHINE Mural Festi

09/09/2022

Love this Susan Jacobs

09/08/2022

13 Things Your Mechanic Wants You to Stop Doing

These are things that are taught at our monthly Car Care Class that's required of all of our potential car recipients. Please take note to avoid problems later...

You and your mechanic may not be best buddies, but it’s definitely beneficial to establish a good relationship with them.

09/05/2022

09/05/2022

09/05/2022

Wheels of Success celebrates Labor Day by keeping people working! Rooted in the late nineteenth century, Labor Day became an annual celebration to recognize the social and economic achievements of American workers. Wheels continues that mission of keeping people working all year long. Shown are two of our recipients of our Vehicles for Veterans program - one getting their car and the other receiving their car title after one year!

09/04/2022

09/04/2022

Our MONTHLY Empowerment Event will be hosted at Colucci Law Group in partnership with the stunning Candice Colucci!

We are excited about this networking event and hope you are as well. Come for the food, drinks, and endless connections👩‍💼🤝

09/03/2022

Susan Jacobs

Due to the overwhelming response to our recent media exposure, we are closing our application process for client assistance until October 4, 2022 in order to contact everyone currently on the waitlist. This does not affect applications for sponsors or car donations which are always welcome!

09/03/2022

Susan Jacobs

Every dollar counts. For the month of September, Wheels of Success is the charity of choice at the Odessa Gunn Highway Winn-Dixie location. Wheels will receive $1 when you purchase a reusable bag. However - and ANY Winn-Dixie you can write our name in on the tag for us to receive a $1 donation per bag purchased. Winn-Dixie grocery stores, has relaunched its Community Bag and Giving Tag Program with the debut of new, vibrant reusable bag designs to continue to empower customers to support local organizations with the purchase of a reusable bag.