Transportation is often taken for granted. Owning a car and getting to work on time is, for many, a luxury. The impact of such independence extends beyond the daily commute. With a vehicle, individuals can run errands, take children to school and enjoy family days at the beach.
Not having access to a car can disrupt life, especially in areas where public transportation is unreliable. Wheels of Success founder and chief executive officer Susan Jacobs knows this, firsthand. Before starting the organization, she endured a domestic violence situation that left her without access to a vehicle. She learned, the hard way, that without a car, maintaining a job is incredibly difficult.
Jacobs realized she wasn’t alone. Many others faced similar challenges. Her job at a staffing agency further highlighted the urgency of the need in the Tampa community. In 2003, she launched Wheels of Success to make a difference.
Wheels of Success provides individuals with cars, trucks, and vans, along with assistance for necessary repairs. The nonprofit also offers education on vehicle care. Clients pay only what they can afford. Its programs include Vehicles for Veterans, Road to Independence (for domestic violence victims), Wheels to the Future (supporting teenagers and young adults aging out of foster care) and Cars for Caregivers (serving direct care workers). Jacobs and her team also aided flood victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Jacobs finds great satisfaction in her work, knowing its meaningful impact. “I love that we’re able to change people’s lives, long-term. We’re not just giving them a handout; we’re giving them a hand-up that last over time,” she said.
While Wheels of Success has helped many individuals and families since its founding, Tampa’s transportation needs are growing. Tampa is one of two major metropolitan areas in the top 25 cities nationwide without mass transit, Jacobs says.
Jacobs and her team can serve only a limited number of people. “For every 20 people who apply, we can only help about four. That’s all we have the resources for, whether it’s a car or funding. The need is really great,” Jacobs said.
The selection process is extensive. Individuals must be referred by an employer or a social worker. According to Jacobs, the primary qualification is holding a full-time job. “Many factors” are considered, and selections are made on a case-by-case basis. For example, when choosing a recipient the staff evaluates how far the person’s commute will be, as many donated cars have high mileage.
More importantly, Jacobs and her team consider how a vehicle can impact a life beyond work.
“What are the secondary things the car can do? Get you to a second job, help you go back to school while working, enable you to take your kids to after-school and weekend activities or allow you to work a differential shift for a promotion or raise,” Jacobs said.
One of the greatest impacts Jacobs has seen is how having a car can make people feel more accepted. Unfortunately, there’s a stigma attached to using buses in Florida, unlike in cities like New York or Chicago. “They now feel part of the community and no longer like a outsiders,” she said.
There are many ways to support Wheels of Success’s mission. Car donations are always welcome, as older vehicles can be given a new life. The organization also offers volunteer opportunities, including data entry.
Most importantly, Jacobs asks people to spread the word and serve as ambassadors for the organization. With additional support, Wheels of Success can expand and help more individuals.
As Tampa’s transportation challenges grow, the work of Wheels of Success remains essential. Jacobs and her team work tirelessly to provide individuals with a freedom that enables them to thrive. Beyond helping clients get to work, the organization’s efforts empower them to take better jobs, return to school and improve their lives—a gift that impacts families for generations.
