Wendy Baker would begin her morning commute at 6:15 a.m. at the "four corners" in Gloversville to catch a ride on the public bus to the Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Johnstown. She would then start her 45-minute, 2 1/2-mile downhill walk to Fonda to arrive in time for her 8 a.m. shift at Subway on Main Street.
When her shift ended at 2 p.m., she would turn around and do it all in reverse. It would take her more than an hour to go roughly 8 miles each way.
"It was horrible," she said of her commute.
Now, thanks to an initiative funded by the state Office of Temporary Disability and Assistance, she can drive to work in her own car.
Wheels For Work, a program run by the Fulmont Community Action Agency, was set up to serve Fulton, Montgomery and Schoharie counties in 2001.
Coordinator Beverly Ball said it provides used vehicles or, in Baker's case, vehicular repairs to individuals who have a household income at or below 200 percent of the federal income poverty level, which varies depending on the number of people in a household, or who qualify to be Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients.
In order to be eligible, one must either be employed or have an employment guarantee of at least 30 hours per week. They must possess a driver's license with a good record and need to have at least one child in the house or be expecting.
Baker, whose five children walked to school when her car was not working, found out about the program from a Head Start pamphlet sent home with her child. Her car needed its oxygen sensor and two CV joints replaced, so she applied for the program and got her car assessed by Schlegel's Auto Service Center in Gloversville. Since the repairs she needed were below the $500 limit allowed under the program, she qualified for the assistance.
The necessary repairs were made, and Baker now drives to work every day.
"I think it's a great program," she said. "Without them, actually, I'd probably still be walking back and forth."
Cars with less than 150,000 miles and lien-free titles are donated to the program by private citizens, local businesses and non-profit organizations. The cars then are given to individuals who qualify for the program.
Vehicles not donated are bought from Lee Schopmeier Restorations in Gloversville. Prices for those cars depend on need, so a larger family would command a higher price. It is the shop's job to find a car within the requisite price range. Schopmeier has been working with Wheels For Work for almost a year.
"It's a great program, and it's really fulfilling to see the people go through this program and finally get a car that's safe and reliable to get them back to work," said owner Lee Schopmeier.
Amsterdam resident Javier Fontan had sold his car and was spending roughly $25 per day on taxi rides from his home to his job at Keymark in Fonda when he found out about the program from his son's pre-kindergarten Head Start. He applied and has been driving a 2002 Ford Taurus since March.
"It was a great help ... it was kind of borderline that I would lose my job because of the lack of transportation," he said.
Program participants must attend monthly family development sessions with Sharon Thomas, the family development program coordinator, for one year.
"We set long-term goals to improve their lifestyle," Thomas said. "It could be as small as creating a budget for their household and [as big as] changing their careers."
Fontan said Thomas encouraged him to pursue a job in talk radio, something he would love to do but would have never had the courage to ask for on his own. He called, and was denied, but was hopeful about similar future opportunities.
"At least I gave it a shot," he said.
Fontan's family, though, did move to a better apartment in Amsterdam after Thomas pushed him to do so.
Wheels For Work participants must submit monthly pay stubs and proof of insurance for the duration of the year, since the program places a lien on the vehicle for that period. During a one-time Saturday course, they undergo auto maintenance training, learn about car insurance options and receive advice on how best to plan a budget.
Once they meet all requirements, they own the vehicle with no restrictions.
"With the economic situation right now, everyone is struggling just to keep their jobs. The clients that we're dealing with are struggling financially to begin with, and this is just a piece that can help them maintain their work situation," Ball said. "Getting to work shouldn't be the hardest part of their day."
Fulmont Director Denis Wilson said the program has helped 150 to 200 households since its inception, but Ball said she always is looking for new participants. Most participants now, she said, come from Montgomery County, and she would like more participation from Fulton County.
Those interested in applying for the program may call 853-8362 to speak with Ball.
Zach Subar covers rural Fulton County news. He can be reached at ruralnews@leaderherald.com
