Freida Lewis of Farmington has been trying to get on her feet with the help of People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) but she also has been struggling with transportation insecurity.
Without a vehicle she was unable to work a second job that would help her income and provide her with more stability in life.
San Juan United Way, through a new program called Driving Towards Stability, was able to partner with Basin Health Companies to provide Lewis with her new-to-her car.
“I just want to say thank you that there are community leaders of people that care enough to take care of people like me,” Lewis said during the first United Way Awards luncheon Wednesday at the Farmington Civic Center.
“It’s going to mean everything for me, because I’m going to start a second job,” Lewis said, adding without the car she would not have had transportation to that job.
Lewis, who works at Long John Silvers, said she doesn’t know where she would be without PATH or the power of faith.
“I always pray. I pray before I eat. I pray when I go to sleep and when I wake up,” she said.
The car, donated from the Basin Health Companies’ fleet, was an answer to her prayers.
Vince Moffitt, CEO of Basin Health Companies and United Way board member, went to the nonprofit organization with the idea of donating a car to someone in need.
“There’s so much need in this community,” Moffitt said, adding that he has sold his used fleet vehicles to his employees at discounted costs in the past.
“We see people facing barriers. We have a major transportation issue in our county,” said Devin Long of the United Way.
Nine individuals were nominated to receive a vehicle, and Long said their stories were “compelling and inspiring.”
Long also helped organize the awards luncheon with Catherine Abeyta, executive director of San Juan United Way.
“We believe it is a success, and we are proud to have gotten this done,” Abeyta said, adding it will become an annual event.
The United Way accepted nominations in 17 different categories and recognized 17 individuals or businesses that are making differences in their communities through work or volunteering.
These were individuals who “are doing meaningful work” in the community, “often quietly and without recognition,” said Scott Michlin, vice president of the United Way board of directors. “To every nominee, someone saw your work and believed you deserved to be lifted up.”
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