Hello friends -

My name is Janice, a single woman with Spina Bifida, who’s reaching out in hopes that someone will be open to helping me purchase a pre-owned vehicle for daily use to get to and from work assignments, medical appointments, and essential travel to sustain myself. I lost my job in February 2025. and was denied unemployment when my former employer appealed my request for assistance, and the appeal was granted. This event has had a significant impact on my ability to continue living day to day. In December 2025, I felt the impact even deeper when the vehicle I had was repossessed.

Living in a rural town of ~ 7,000, primarily supported by farming, factory and truck driving jobs, finding suitable employment has been difficult. While these jobs are vital to sustaining communities and cities across the world, they are not suitable job options for me. I have physical limitations related to Spina Bifida, am mobility-impaired and walk with a cane. Though I’ve never let this be a reason to not work, I do acknowledge that walking any length of distance in the community can be a hardship for me. So, having a vehicle is essential to my ability to sustain my independence as well.

I moved to be closer to family and partner in some business opportunities, but those didn’t pan out. Recently, those family members moved out of state. I wasted no time applying for new jobs, and seeking ways to use my musical talents and work skills. I have served as a member and leader of a volunteer organization that helps to empower women and girls in pursuit of their goals and dreams (educational, personal and professional). I have participated in a community band that plays at community and holiday events, and shared my love of music and learning as a private music lesson teacher to students whose interests ranged from learning more about music, preparing for school concerts and honing their clarinet playing skills. I’ve recently begun working as an authorized substitute teacher for multiple schools in this area. For now, I rely on friends to get me to and from these teaching assignments. This can be an inconvenience for them, particularly when assignments are at schools in other locations of this region.. Having a vehicle to drive would relieve them of this support that can be intrusive to their lives and schedules.

With no consistent public transit system available, my only option is to walk. Though a small community where places are within walking distance for most, walking any length of distance here can be a hardship for me. Securing a second-hand vehicle for use in my daily life to meet personal and professional obligations would allow me to continue helping students, resume my volunteer participation and regain some independence that I’ve lost over the past year.

I’m very grateful for the life I’ve been able to build. I am a person with a strong work ethic and am determined to work through this situation, but I need some help. Each day is challenging without a vehicle. I’m hopeful that folks will bless me with support for a reliable vehicle that I can purchase outright. After researching the current pre-owned vehicle market, the cost for a vehicle for my needs is ~ $6000.

I send a sincere thank-you to each of you for taking time to read my request. Any amount will deeply impact many others as I will pay it forward with the same kindness and generosity as I hope you’ll show me. I look forward to regaining my footing and returning to a consistent schedule of work and volunteer activities.

Thank you for taking time to read my request.