For most of her life, Lucy has called Frederick County home. She has always been a hard worker, taking on jobs both within the county and beyond its borders to make ends meet. Yet, like so many ALICE individuals (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), Lucy found herself stuck in a difficult cycle: working consistently, but without the reliable transportation needed to truly get ahead.
For a long time, Lucy relied on borrowing a friend’s car just to get to work. While she was deeply grateful for the help, the uncertainty of not having her own vehicle made every workday stressful. One unexpected schedule change or conflict could mean missed hours, lost income, or the risk of losing opportunities altogether. Reliable transportation wasn’t just a convenience for Lucy; it was essential to her stability and future.
Beyond her own needs, Lucy is also a devoted caregiver. She supports her mother, who is permanently disabled, and plays a critical role in helping manage her daily life. Without dependable transportation, getting her mother to medical appointments was a constant challenge. Something as routine as a doctor’s visit required complicated planning and added stress, often creating barriers to the care her mother needs.
That all changed in October 2025, when Lucy graduated from United Way of Frederick County’s Pathway to Transportation program and received a new-to-her car. For Lucy, the moment she received her keys represented far more than a vehicle; it symbolized freedom, security, and possibility.
With her own car, Lucy can now travel to work confidently, both within Frederick County and beyond, without worrying about last-minute transportation issues. Even more importantly, she can easily and reliably take her mother to medical appointments, ensuring she receives the care she deserves without added hardship.
Owning a car has opened the door for Lucy to dream bigger. Reliable transportation allows her to pursue better job opportunities, increase her earning potential, and work toward a more independent life, one where she can continue supporting her mother while also building long-term stability for herself. Despite years of working hard and still struggling to get ahead, Lucy now has a critical tool that puts her on a path toward lasting change.
Lucy’s story is a powerful reminder that access to transportation can be life-changing. Through the Pathway to Transportation program, and the generosity of our donors, individuals like Lucy are not just getting cars; they’re gaining independence, opportunity, and hope for a stronger future.
Because when people have the tools they need to succeed, entire families and our community move forward together.
