(Nashville, Tenn) — Two more Goodwill employees will receive vehicles through the Goodwill’s Wheels-to-Work program. The Wheels-to-Work Program was established in July to help Goodwill employees and clients eliminate the barrier of transportation. The program gives donated vehicles to qualified Goodwill employees or clients who cannot afford to purchase a vehicle at this time and need one to get to work.
Goodwill President and CEO Matthew Bourlakas presented the two recipients the keys to their “new” vehicles at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12. The small ceremonytook place in the lobby of Goodwill’s corporate office, located at 1015 Herman Street.
Meet the Two Recipients
Ramona Johnson – 1996 Dodge Caravan
Ramona Johnson has faced many obstacles in her life. After working as a CNT for 28 years, she injured her shoulder and was diagnosed with breast cancer. Ramona lost her job, her home and her hope. She contacted Goodwill, after seeing one of our commercials on television. “The Goodwill employees in the commercials didn’t give up, so why should I,” she said. Ramona immediately enrolled in Goodwill’s transitional program, and was later hired as the front desk receptionist for Goodwill’s corporate office. Ramona currently catches the bus to and from work every day, and she has to rely on rides to visit her children and grandchildren. Ramona is excited about the opportunity to regain her independence.
Jennifer Cummins – 2001 Honda Odyssey
Jennifer Cummins has been a Goodwill employee for seven years. She is currently the supervisor for Goodwill’s document archiving department in Nashville, where she oversees the staff as they prep, index, scan and inspect documents. Jennifer’s struggle with transportation began last year, when her vehicle was totaled in an accident. Unable financially to make a car payment, Jennifer has been relying on family and friends for transportation to work. In addition, Jennifer has custody of her grandson, so receiving a vehicle through the Wheels-to-Work program will also allow her to better provide for her grandson.