POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County’s “Way to Work” program has just made it easier to get to work and support their families.
Six women have been given reliable used vehicles that were retired from their county’s Public Works fleet.
“Reliable transportation can make a world of difference, opening doors to opportunities that may have once felt out of reach,” said County Executive Sue Serino. She said keys to the vehicles “represent hope, independence and the chance to move forward with one less worry.”
Since the program began in 2001, it has provided 951 vehicles to help people overcome transportation barriers to get to work or school.
This year’s recipients are:
- Deniece, a single mother who works with people with disabilities. Even after a sudden cancer diagnosis and the loss of access to a vehicle, she remained determined to work and support her family.
- Malaysia, a mother of three who works as a Personal Care Aide while relying on costly and limited transportation options that have restricted her ability to pursue additional work hours and employment opportunities;
- Arlene, a dedicated mother and Assistant Manager who works hard to provide for her 7-year-old child while juggling the demands of work and family, all without the reliable transportation needed to expand her employment opportunities, including higher-paying jobs;
- Chayanne, a single mother employed as a Medical Assistant, who balances the demands of work while navigating the challenges of public transportation with her child with a disability;
- Tesica, a Certified Nursing Assistant who moved to the United States from Jamaica in pursuit of new opportunities and a better future for herself and her child while lacking the reliable transportation needed to maintain and expand her employment opportunities;
- Asiaa, an Office Assistant and devoted mother of twins who balances her career with the demands of motherhood, without a reliable vehicle needed to overcome transportation barriers that limit her flexibility in managing work and family responsibilities.
“By providing a range of tools and support, the program helps families not only address immediate challenges but also build a foundation for lasting stability,” Sabrina Jaar Marzouka, commissioner of the county Department of Community and Family Services.
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