A Single Mom. A Single Car. Far-Reaching Impact.

Houston, TX – Fredericka Singer, 40, has a new set of wheels. Good fortune hasn’t always been a steady companion for the single mother of three, but lately things have started looking up.

A few weeks ago, Singer sought the help of Cypress Assistance Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to giving a hand to those in need.

“I went into CAM because I needed help with paying my rent,” Singer recalled. “I recently accepted a new position and I just needed something to help me get over that hump until I could make income and stabilize my situation.”

During her interview with CAM, Singer learned that she qualified to enter the Summer 2017 Drive & Thrive Car Giveaway sponsored by Elite Auto Experts, a Cypress-are auto repair and body shop that had recently partnered with CAM in support of the organization’s annual school supply drive.

“I never dreamed I would win a car,” Singer said. “That’s always something that happens to somebody else. When I got the call that I was selected, I was really shocked and in disbelief.”

But win she did! A committee comprised of Cypress-area business and community leaders chose Singer’s entry from around 40 nominations and entries for the car giveaway. On August 23, a crowd of local business owners, along with representatives of CAM and the Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce, cheered as Elite Auto Experts owners Moufid and Moe Rabieh presented Singer and two of her children with the keys to a Hyundai Elantra.

“I can say with confidence that the car went to the right person,” Moufid said. “It makes me feel so happy that it went to deserving people in need.”

As for Singer, she could hardly believe her luck. As a newly-minted benefits consultant for a health care company, she spends a lot of time on the road, visiting senior citizens. Her old car registered close to 250K miles.

“I didn’t know how long the old car was going to last. We were just praying it would,” she said. “Having a car that’s dependable, it makes me feel a lot more secure when I’m out on the road.”

Elite Auto Experts had purchased the 2012 Hyundai Elantra at auction, then restored the vehicle inside and out until it looked (and drove) like new. Over the next 12 months, Singer will receive free oil changes and, should any repairs be needed, the auto repair and body shop will cover those at no charge, too.

The buck does NOT stop here!

With a new job, the oldest daughter in college, and two more children in the Cy-Fair ISD school system, Singer has her hands full. Thanks to CAM’s school supply drive and the community’s contributions to the effort, her youngest two are now also guaranteed to have a great start to the school year. The trunk of the giveaway car contained school supplies and clothing for Singer’s youngest children, entering 7th and 1st grade.

“The school supplies, too, are so on time, because I need that for my children,” Singer said. “I feel so blessed and excited. It releases a lot of the burden that’s on me.”

Altogether, CAM so far outfitted more than 700 children with school supplies and clothing this summer. The need is great, according to Janet Ryan with CAM, but once again the community and local businesses have stepped up to ensure that children of all walks of life are primed for academic success.

“We feel very strongly that education is the best way to alleviate poverty,” Ryan said. “In order to have a good education you have to believe you’re capable, but if you start the school year missing things that your classmates have…if you’re dressed less nicely, if you don’t have the needed materials…you start out not feeling very confident. The first days of school matter so much.”

Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union was one of the local businesses that also rose to the occasion with a $400 donation. The credit union was originally formed by educators, and the financial institution is happy to give back.

“Cy-Fair Independent School district is at the hub of our community,” said Valerie Britton, VP of HR and Compliance. “The children they educate help grow our community. They’re our future leaders, our future employees, so we’re pleased to help those children succeed. “

Moufid said Elite Auto Experts is far from done supporting its community. The first two runner-ups in the car giveaway contest will receive help getting their existing vehicles in road-ready condition – for free, of course. Plus, the car giveaways will continue.

“This will be part of the culture of our business,” Moufid explained. “We will do this again for Christmas, and again next year for back-to-school, then again for Christmas, and so on. We look forward to partnering with the leaders of this community who help us achieve this goal in the future.”

Ryan said CAM will surely be on board for any future initiatives Elite Auto Experts may sponsor to benefit the community it serves.

“The owners, Moufid and Moe, have worked so hard to be successful, and they’re taking their success and using that to help other people in our community who are struggling,” Ryan said. “This is out of the generosity and kindness of their hearts. I’m proud to know them and I’m so happy to work with them.”

Amid exclamations of wonder, cheers of joy, and rounds of congratulations, Singer inspected her new car and reflected on her family’s unexpected good fortune.

“What they’re doing is a wonderful thing,” she said. “I’m really glad they’re thinking about the people in their community – people like me, single moms, children. This is life-changing.”