[ Family Support Services ]

Wheels for Work

 

The Wheels for Work Program is offerred in two counties, Broome and Cortland.

Both Wheels for Work programs have the same goals. The first goal is to help low income Broome County or Cortland County parents, who meet the eligibilty guidelines, with a down payment on a low cost vehicle. The remainder of the vehicle's cost must be repaid by the program participant (in one year) to the car dealer who works with the Wheels for Work progrtam.  The vehicle miust be used by the participant to obtain or maintian their employment.

The second goal is to provide a vehicle repair fund to help low-income working parents who are not eligible for DSS cash assistance with car repairs. The vehicle repairs must again help the parent either obtain a job or maintain their employment.

The third goal is help people become successful car owners through the support of the 12 month program. To help with this participants in the Wheels for Work Program also receive monthly trainings on useful information for vehicle ownership. The participants who receive a car repair through the Special Repair Fund are also reuired to attend a couple of the montyhly trainings. Some of the past trainings topics have included  "Better Fuel Economy", "Steps to take after a Car Accident" "Brake Systems and Safety", "Winterizing Your Car" and "Understanding Your Insurance" Other workshops are also offered that cover employment, issues, budgeting and cost savings and sometimes even parenting if requested by the participants.