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Tears, yes, but of joy and gratitude

For a single parent, having dependable transportation can make a huge difference in keeping a family on course.

By TIFFANI SHERMAN, Times Correspondent
Published December 22, 2007

Cari Frounfelter borrowed her aunt's truck to go to an appointment at the Ridgecrest Community Center Friday morning.

But she went home with a set of keys to her own car, thanks to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office's Wheels of Success program.

"They told us to show up today" to show who the candidates were for getting a car, said Frounfelter, 20. "I didn't know we were actually getting one.

"Now other people don't have to be obligated to take me everywhere," said the single mother of 23-month-old Ty.

Frounfelter had relied on family to get her to and from her job as a receptionist at Superior Medical Equipment Plus in Largo and to take her son to child care. She almost lost her place in day care because her son missed so many days due to transportation trouble.

"It's been hard; I missed so many appointments," she said. "Now I can do for myself and my children."

The Sheriff's Office donated the cars. They're older, refurbished, high-mileage vehicles that once served as unmarked units. Instead of heading to an auction and bringing in about $500 to $1,000 each, they're going to five single parents who need transportation.

"They were scheduled to be rotated out of our fleet, and we felt these vehicles could serve a better purpose by putting them back into the community," Sheriff Jim Coats said.

The Sheriff's Office has donated vehicles to youth ranch programs before, but never to single parents like this. It could expand if other vehicles become available, Coats said.

To receive a car, applicants had to write a letter of need to the Greater Ridgecrest Area Youth Development Initiative. They had to explain why they would be a good recipient for a car and what barriers they have had to overcome.

In Frounfelter's case, she left an abusive relationship in Jacksonville and had been relying on family members in the Tampa Bay area, especially her grandmother.

Then, three weeks ago, her grandmother died.

"I've been through so much and I've needed transportation so bad," Frounfelter said. "I just appreciate everything."

Since applying for the car, she has been saving for things like insurance and gas.

This donation is the first for the Greater Ridgecrest Area Youth Development Initiative, but program managers hope it won't be the last.

"We think we're off to a good start, and we'd like it to be a regular thing that we're able to do for the families," said Michelle Wilson, the program's executive director.

Soon Frounfelter will drive around town in her new green Chevrolet. She's already planning one big trip, on or around Feb. 4, her due date for son No. 2.

"I'll be able to bring my baby home from the hospital in my own car," she said. "I might not be driving it, but at least it's mine."

[Last modified December 21, 2007, 21:59:32]