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Shannen White from Hillcrest Transitional Housing in St. Joseph, Mo has asked us for assistance. This is going to be their biggest fundraiser so far this year and she is asking for us to get the word out to local businesses/restaurants. They are needing entries for the challenge. Hillcrest is a great addition to our St. Joe community. They offer a hand up and education to local residents that are struggling. They educate local residents and help them become self-sufficient. They are seeing 5th year welfare recipients and I think it’s incredible that when they graduate this program, 85% of graduates are still self sufficient after 5 years!! THAT’S HUGE!!

BPM is entering the challenge and we would like our employees to join in on the fun. Also, if anyone can contribute any ingredients from their garden, it would be much appreciated! WE ARE IN IT TO WIN IT!!

Please contact our St. Joe BPM contact Tracy James (tracy@andersonautogroup, or ext 8076) for all the details.  Tracy will email the entry and information to you.  Please pass it on to any of your contacts that may want to participate.

Jerry is a veteran we donated a Taurus to just 2 months ago at the North store, however the transmission is out.  Our service guys do an excellent job of getting these units ready as inexpensively and quickly as possible.  You just never know what the future holds.  A test drive is one thing, daily driving is another, and this tranny was just no good after continuous driving. Our goal is to make these units last 1-2 years for folks, in hopes that in that time they will be in a better position in their lives to purchase a different car.  Well 2 months doesn’t cut it, so we are going to take Jerry’s Taurus back and donate him a different car.

Just as a reminder, Jerry is a veteran who has served our country on a few different tours.  He is a participant in the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment program through the VA.  Jerry has also completed his second year at Southeast Community College.  Jerry is planning on continuing his education and becoming an engineer.  He is taking summer classes, as well as participates in the VA program.  He also suffers from PTSD, as well as other issues.  During our first donation he told me this next week is the hardest for him (fireworks).  Jerry is dependent on a vehicle with his class schedule, VA program, and various appointments he attends weekly.

Catherine was born and raised in Grand Island where she attended Heartland Lutheran High School where she was involved in almost every sport and several extra-curricular activities that kept her busy, focused, and determined. A major obstacle she had to overcome is moving successfully into adulthood without her parents. Catherine’s father passed away when she was in elementary school, and she also lost her mother when she was in high school.  With her life experiences of losing both her parents at a young age, she has been empowered to help those who have had similar struggles.

In high school she discovered what she wanted for a future career which pushed her to where she is now.  Catherine is currently a sophomore at UNK working towards a degree in Social Work. Her classes are empowering her and she is excited for what the next two years will bring. College has been an amazing experience for her to grow her future. Along with schooling she is currently employed at Crossroads Mission and Homeless Shelter. In her job she works with the guests to advocate for them for their needs and help to get them basic supplies and check them into the program. Needless to say she has been plenty busy this year between school and work.

Mary is a single mom, she has 3 children at home and 2 older children she is working on getting more time with as well as custody.  Mary receives disability due to illness’ that prevent her from holding down a full time job.  She has attempted part time work, however child care is not available for the times they want her to work.  Mary has left a violent relationship and is making things work on her own.  Mary initially came to us for a repair on her van, upon inspection it had more wrong with it than what was causing it to smoke and sputter.  Mary is happy to ‘pay it forward’ for someone else and donate her broken van to be sold for Because People Matter.

Mary is very excited, reliable transportation is one of the required items she must have in order to gain additional time with the older children.  We advise all recipients of the warranty/maintenance plan available to her through Because People Matter, but she does not have the funds to pay for it.  However, during a conversation with a family member this week about what Because People Matter is doing to help her and her children, a family member has stepped up and is buying the warranty for Mary.  They told her they are proud of all that she has accomplished and want her to continue to be successful.-Way to go Mary!

This is the 14th donation for the year for the Lincoln market!

Joe has been involved in his church for many years, has gone on mission trips, has led Disciple studies, and is very involved in his faith.  Joe has stayed very committed to his son and just wants to make things work.

Derek from Horizons Church brought Joe to us for a repair, upon inspecting his vehicle it just had to many problems to fix. Joe works full time at a company he has been with for over 2 years. With his recent divorce and the bills involved, Joe has not been able to do any of the needed repairs on his car. Now they are just to great to be worth fixing. Joe has sold that vehicle in light of receiving a ‘new’ one from Because People Matter. He recently told me how grateful he is and how much a reliable vehicle will mean to him and his son. It will give him peace of mind when planning activities away from home and the comfort of knowing he can jump in the car any time and pick his son up. He would like to thank Because People Matter and all of the Anderson Team for all that we do for folks like him.

Emily is a young woman who’s mother has passed away and has no relationship with her father.  With no other family, Emily was in put foster care in her teens.  She has since aged out of the foster care system, as all assistance stops upon reaching 19.  Emily has a brother here in town she is close with, a family for whom she was once a Nanny, and her church family.  Emily as been attending Christ’s Place since 2013 and has a car sitting that doesn’t run.  We originally brought it in to be repaired and discovered the repairs are to extensive and did not make sense to fix.  Emily is donating her car to BPM and the proceeds will be used to help someone else in need.  Emily works full time and teaches swimming lessons on the side as well as volunteers at her church.