The Family Guidance Center of Alabama donated a 1992 Buick Roadmaster to the family of Crystal Singletary of Dale County on June 4th. The donation was the 50th automobile presented to an Alabama family through the Center’s Family Coaches Program.
The Family Coaches Program, a collaborative effort between the Alabama Department of Human Resources and Family Guidance Center of Alabama, was founded in 1997, in response to welfare reform. This adult mentoring program uses community volunteers to serve as coaches for welfare recipients and low-income families wishing to set and achieve goals of greater self-reliance. Over the years, transportation has remained one of the primary obstacles faced by participating families. The program, along with generous community donors, is helping families to overcome that obstacle: one car and one family at a time.
“All the nominations stir your compassion for the nominated families who are working so hard to better their lives and care for their children,” said Regina Allison, Program Director for the Family Guidance Center. “It was a very challenging process to narrow down the nominations to one recipient family, and after a great deal of consideration, the panel selected the Dale County family. We are hopeful that receiving this car will allow the family to continue its noteworthy progress in reaching their goals.”
Each vehicle is assessed by a mechanic for safety and is provided at no cost to a deserving family through a competitive nomination process. Automobile donors also benefit by receiving the satisfaction of knowing what a difference the car will make in the life of another family, and also by being able to claim a tax deduction for the full blue book value of the vehicle because the car is being donated to another family.
If you would like more information about Family Coaches Program, please contact your local DHR Office or Family Guidance Center at (800) 499-6597 or (334) 270-4100.