Local Families Receive Vehicles From ‘Way to Work’ Program

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Three Dutchess County families were presented with pre-owned cars as part of the Community Solutions to Transportation "Way to Work" program.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro made the announcement Friday along with the county Department of Community & Family Services and the Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board.

The program was formerly known as “Wheels to Work.”

Started in 2001, the program is designed to help low-income Dutchess County residents get and keep a job, providing them reliable transportation to and from work. Qualified participants must come from a family that receives Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or whose family income is less than 200 percent of the poverty level.

County Executive Molinaro said the recipients get more than just a vehicle.

"Today's recipients are receiving a chance at a better life, for themselves and their families," he said. "These vehicles represent a hope for the families who receive them: the ability to drive their children to doctor's appointments and school, travel to the supermarket to buy and prepare healthy meals or obtain more or better employment."

Molinaro said the county was proud to offer this opportunity to families who have been dedicated to improving their lives and looks forward to counting today's recipients among the program's multitude of success stories.

“Way to Work” provides vehicles from local used car dealers to eligible individuals and provides participants training — such as car care and defensive driving — as well as assistance in obtaining a learner’s permit or driver’s license. The program also offers driver experience training, car maintenance instruction, and auto repairs, according to a spokesperson.

These vehicles help families obtain and retain employment, acquire jobs with more hours or higher pay, gain access to higher education to increases the recipients’ wage potential, or take their children to and from school, a county official said.

The families selected to receive the vehicles were chosen based on specific program guidelines, including their work-related need for transportation. In addition, they have all displayed the perseverance and commitment necessary to continually move forward toward financial independence.

For every family that receives a car and avoids temporary assistance, Dutchess County saves $1,614 a month. Within a year, that savings equals the cost of a new car, a spokesperson said.

Dutchess County Community Solutions for Transportation has benefited more than 3,500 families since 2001, providing 909 cars, including several vehicles donated to local veterans, along with registration and car insurance deposits. In 2020, 45 residents participated in the program, receiving driving lessons, financial literacy and vehicle maintenance, among other components.

Among today’s recipients is a single mother, raising her teenage daughter and two toddlers, who works full-time to support the family. Since she lives in the Village of Millerton, with her job miles away, she needs to take her toddlers to daycare prior to work and needs transportation to do so. In addition, without a grocery store in the Village, she must rely on the generosity of co-workers for transportation to work to get her to the job site by the hours she is required to be there. Despite working a full-time job, it is difficult for this family to make ends meet. Reliable transportation will give this mother of three the opportunity to choose different shifts, to look for promotions, and to shop for groceries at stores other than convenience stores.

Since the former "Wheels to Work” program began in 2001, 311 Dutchess County residents have received their New York State learner’s permit; 1,045 people participated in driving experience classes; 500 individuals completed the five-hour, pre-licensing class; 489 passed their state road test and received a driver’s license; and 750 vehicle repairs were approved on behalf of program participants.

More information about the “Way to Work” program is available on the DCFS webpage, and a brochure about the program is available online.