Wilhelm Automotive in Surprise fixes car given to single mom

After her husband of 15 years passed away from debilitating heart disease, La Toyyia (last name not provided) found herself raising her four children alone.

Savings and outside resources were depleted, as his illness became worse. La Toyyia planned to continue her studies and complete her college education in order to provide for her children.

"Moving forward after my husband passed away was difficult, but I had to keep going," she said. "My children's security depended solely on me. A college degree was going to help me build a stable life for my family. I'd be able to obtain a good salary and settle into a rewarding career."

As La Toyyia moved forward, she had a stumbling block slowing her progress - her car. Her budget did not have extra dollars to replace her 1990 vehicle.

Multiple community partners came together to help La Toyyia complete her undergrad degree at Arizona State University and plan for a master's degree in interdisciplinary studies.

She will continue interning with The College Program, a prison-education program assisting women inmates housed at a federal prison camp. The women will obtain their associate's degree from Rio Salado College.

Upon graduation, La Toyyia's goal is to continue creating education programs in correctional institutions.

"I plan to use my education to promote myself into a fulfilling career. I choose to educate myself, so that I can educate other women," she said.

Wilhelm Automotive Service Centers and Cardinals Charities helped local nonprofit Helping Hands for Single Moms - a scholarship with support services - to provide La Toyyia with more than the usual AAA towing and auto repair offered by the scholarship she received.

A local family contacted the executive director of Helping Hands, Chris Coffman. Due to recent loss, the family had a 1999 Buick, free for the asking, which needed some repairs.

Wilhelm Automotive Service Centers, as partners with the local nonprofit, was willing to assist.

"We are glad to help in the community, any and every way that we can," said Jim Swift, service adviser at Wilhelm Automotive in Surprise.

"The auto repair shops who partner with us literally keep our moms on the road," said Coffman. "Along with organizations such as Cardinals Charities to help pay for parts, we are able to provide our single moms with the reliable transportation needed to get to school and to work."

Wilhelm Automotive in Surprise contributed a day and a half of time and labor to repair the Buick. Coupled with funds from Cardinals Charities, the two organizations made the repairs on the vehicle.