Carolyn’s Jumpstart Blessing with Anchor Roofing and Metro Omaha Business Coalition
As a locally owned business, community support is a central value for our team here at Anchor Roofing. That’s why we partnered with the Metro Omaha Business Coalition (MOBC) and Chariots4Hope to sponsor a reliable vehicle for Carolyn, a local woman overcoming addiction and rebuilding her life.
Here’s how the whole community came together to support Carolyn with this incredible gift.
What Is a Jumpstart Sponsorship?
The Jumpstart Sponsorship helps to cover any repair costs and other ownership costs required for a vehicle to be used in the Chariots4Hope vehicle ownership program. This could include everything from a new windshield to new brakes and more, as well as the warranty attached to the vehicle.
In this instance, Anchor Roofing acted as the primary sponsor, joined by Liberty Law Group, to make this donation happen.
What Is the Vehicle Ownership Program at Chariots4Hope?
Chariots4Hope is a faith-based nonprofit organization that seeks to “remove transportation barriers that prevent struggling families and individuals from reaching and maintaining self-sufficiency,” and the Vehicle Ownership Program is their flagship support program.
Through the Vehicle Ownership Program, struggling individuals or families can receive support with acquiring a vehicle at various levels. With the First Wheel program, their financial investment is just $500.
To qualify for this program, participants must meet the following requirements:
- Referral by an approved organization
- $400/month in discretionary income
- $500 vehicle purchase fee
- Must have a driver’s license and insurance
- Must pass a drug test
- Completion of 3 “Road2Freedom” courses covering:
- Vehicle maintenance
- Understanding insurance
- Budgeting for ownership
Who Is Carolyn, and Why Was She Chosen?
Carolyn was referred for this program by Open Door Mission and Citylight Church in Omaha. Her story is one of struggle, addiction, and recovery. After a painful divorce and a toxic relationship led her into meth addiction and abuse, she chose a new path of faith and sobriety, overcoming her addiction and starting on the path to recovery.
Now living at Lydia House, a shelter supported by Open Door Mission, and celebrating two years of sobriety, Carolyn aims to earn a social work degree and start a nonprofit for people in recovery. Her restored vehicle will help to remove any transportation barriers standing in the way of that goal.
How Anchor Roofing and MOBC Helped Surprise Carolyn With Her Car
Once an individual completes all the requirements of the program, they’re put on a waiting list until a vehicle is ready for them. This can take anywhere from 4–9 months, depending on several factors, leaving an opportunity to surprise the recipient with their “blessing”—the big day when they finally receive their car with a big yellow bow.
To surprise Carolyn, Cassie, the Programs Manager at Chariots4Hope helped pull off the surprise, with the help of Thom Hazel from Anchor Roofing. She was told she had one class left but needed to pick up bingo prizes for an event from the Anchor Roofing headquarters in Omaha. Once she came back outside, the entire MOBC community group was waiting to surprise her with the car! She had no idea her blessing day had arrived!
You can see that moment and Carolyn’s reaction here:
Why It All Matters
Community support is a cornerstone of our work here at Anchor Roofing, as well as for many local businesses we network with through MOBC. Chariots4Hope is an important organization in our community, as for many folks trying to turn their lives around, transportation is a major barrier to independence and employment.
This gift marks a turning point in Carolyn’s journey, giving her a chance to fulfill her dreams.
How to Support More Stories Like Carolyn’s
This incredible blessing was a full community collaboration between several individuals, organizations, and businesses:
- Anchor Roofing: Lead sponsor of the Jumpstart Blessing
- Liberty Law Group: Co-sponsor of the Jumpstart Blessing
- Metro Omaha Business Coalition (MOBC): A network of business professionals committed to community service
- Chariots4Hope: A nonprofit that provides affordable vehicle ownership opportunities
- Open Door Mission & City Light Church: Referring organizations that supported Carolyn’s journey
Moments like this are only possible through collective action—so if you’re inspired by Carolyn’s story, there are many ways for businesses and individuals to get involved:
- Learn more about Chariots4Hope’s Vehicle Ownership Program
- Get involved through sponsorships, referrals, or donations
- Support MOBC’s ongoing community outreach efforts
- Contact Anchor Roofing to learn about further community partnership opportunities
FAQs
What is the Jumpstart Blessing?
It’s a community-funded vehicle sponsorship through Chariots4Hope, providing reliable transportation to people overcoming life challenges.
Who is eligible for the Chariots4Hope program?
Applicants must meet specific criteria including referral, income threshold, drug testing, insurance, and completion of car care courses.
How can businesses get involved in Jumpstart sponsorships?
By partnering with Chariots4Hope to fund repairs and warranties for vehicles donated to recipients.