Local nonprofit puts Newport mother in the driver’s seat

NEWPORT — A local nonprofit has helped put a Newport mother and her family on the road to self-sufficiency.

Jesse Calloway was awarded a life-changing car from the Burlington-based vehicle donation nonprofit Good News Garage.

Her used 2014 Subaru Impreza, donated by a generous New Englander, will transport her and her two children to a brighter future.

Calloway is one of nearly 5,500 recipients of a vehicle from Good News Garage since the charity began providing reliable transportation to neighbors in need in 1996.

A national shortage of new and used cars has driven car prices to record highs and left dealerships with a scarce inventory.

For low-income families, this means that purchasing a reliable used car is harder than ever, and for many, is financially out of their reach.

Good News Garage has been awarding refurbished donated cars to New England families for 25 years.

The charity says the need for donated vehicles is at an all-time high.

Good News Garage awards cars to Vermont residents through a partnership with the state’s Reach Up agency, and car recipients must be Reach Up participants to qualify.

Those interested can find out more about Reach Up at https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/reachup.