Lakeland Bank Donates Cars to Residents in Need

Project Self-Sufficiency participants Alyssa Fuller and Kelly White recently received newly-refurbished automobiles from Lakeland Bank as part of the used vehicle donation program at Project Self-Sufficiency. The two women, both of whom are employed at Willowglen Academy, have been struggling to get to work and manage their families’ schedules without reliable transportation.

Aspiring social worker Kelly White attends Sussex County Community College in addition to working as a Day Program Instructor at Willowglen Academy and caring for her two children. “I actually do not have a car right now. I am currently sharing one with my mother,” notes White who is both grateful and relived to have received the donated vehicle. “This is my first car and it came at the perfect time, because I was not sure how I was going to get to work. Being a single mother, it’s hard to save up enough money to purchase a car. This is a big deal!”

In addition to working at Willowglen Academy, Project Self-Sufficiency participant and mother of two Alyssa Fuller is also employed at a local physician’s office with the goal of pursuing a career as a medical office administrator. Prior to receiving the donated car, she had been using public transportation and taxis in order to get to work, run errands and pick up her children. “It’s really hard carrying car seats and a stroller on the bus. It takes me two hours to go grocery shopping because I either walk or pay for a taxi,” explains Fuller. “I was so excited when I heard about this. I felt like God answered my prayer. I never thought in a million years they would choose me. I am so grateful. Now I can continue going to college, accomplish my goals, and achieve my dream of becoming a medical office administrator.”

At Lakeland Bank, we strongly believe that helping people learn to be personally and economically self-sufficient is key for a community to be vibrant and healthy,” said Thomas Shara, President and CEO, Lakeland Bank. “We hope the Bank’s donation of these vehicles will help provide the recipients with some extra stability and independence as they work toward improving their quality of life.”

“We are tremendously grateful to Lakeland Bank for their role in this effort. It is extremely difficult to function as a family in our area without access to a reliable vehicle,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “These working mothers desperately needed cars, and we are delighted to be able to pass these vehicles along to them. Project Self-Sufficiency has been fortunate to be the recipient of several vehicles from individuals and area businesses, and we will continue to welcome the donation of good quality, pre-owned vehicles from our neighbors for families in need.”

Project Self-Sufficiency is a private non-profit community-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income families residing in northwestern New Jersey. The agency’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of holistic, respectful, and comprehensive services enabling low-income single parents, teen parents, two-parent families, and displaced homemakers to improve their lives and the lives of their children while achieving personal and economic self-sufficiency and family stability. Since 1986 Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 20,500 families, including more than 30,000 children.

To donate a car to Project Self-Sufficiency, or to find out more about the programs and services available at the agency, call 973-940-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.