Help Me Gain Independence with a Driver’s License and Car

Hi, I’m Wendy, and I was born and raised in Berlin, Germany. Growing up in a city with an incredible public transportation system, I never needed a car. Buses, subways (both underground and elevated), and trains gave me full independence — no need to worry about parking, traffic, or asking for rides. I could get wherever I needed to go, whenever I wanted.

When I moved to the U.S. in 2017 at 37 years old, I quickly realized how different things are here. Without a car, even the simplest things — grocery shopping, running errands, or applying for certain jobs — became complicated. I work for Valley Hope and the drive is about 20 min. Every outing has to be carefully planned. I’ve never used a drive-thru. I’ve never been able to just hop in a car and take my dog Layla to the park when the mood strikes. She’d absolutely love that freedom — and so would I.

For years, I’ve struggled with driving anxiety. It’s been overwhelming at times, and I let fear stop me from even trying. But recently, I wanted to apply for a better position at work — and again, not having a driver’s license held me back. That moment made me realize: I can’t keep putting this off. I’m ready to face the fear and move forward.

I’m fortunate to have emotional support from friends, but financially, I need help. A certified driver’s ed course costs $420, and any help toward a small down payment on a used car would make a huge difference in my life. A license alone won’t mean much without a way to drive.

If you’re able to contribute — even a small amount — you’d be helping me take a big step toward true independence here in the U.S. Thank you for reading, and for supporting this next chapter of my journey. Layla and I both appreciate it more than words can say.

With gratitude,

Wendy