Representatives from Working Wheels (formerly Wheels4Hope Asheville) and the Re-Entry Council of Buncombe County formed a partnership that enables clients of the Re-Entry Council to access affordable, reliable vehicles. Amanda Mothershead, the first referral from the Re-Entry Council to Working Wheels, recently purchased a 1998 Honda Accord for $500. "I’m in recovery with 22 months clean. I messed my life up while using. I lost everything including my kids. Since getting clean, I’ve regained custody of them and held down continuous employment. Owning my own vehicle will make my day-to-day activities much more doable.” Working Wheels repairs and recycles donated cars, transforming them into working wheels for working families. We know that reliable transportation is critical to survive and thrive in this community, allowing people to care for their basic needs, remain employed, and spend time with their children. A car that starts opens the door to education, employment, and an improved quality of life. Our collaborative model bolsters the work of 12 trusted partners by placing the vehicles with their clients – the ones they believe need them the most. The current partners are -ABCCM’s Steadfast House - Asheville Housing Authority’s Self-Sufficiency Program - Community Action Opportunities - Habitat for Humanity - Helpmate - Homeward Bound - Green Opportunities - Mary Benson House - Nurse Family Partnership - OnTrack Financial Education and Counseling - Our Voice - Re-Entry Council of Buncombe County - YWCA About the Re-Entry Council of Buncombe County The Re-Entry Council of Buncombe County serves any individual recently released from prison or placed on probation. The goal is to decrease recidivism in terms of failure to appear, new arrest, and parole violation with individuals post-conviction/post-incarceration through increasing access to employment, housing, transportation and education. For more information, please visit www.buncombecounty.org/jrc