Antoinette was one of the first single moms to be served from the new Hands East automotive service facility in Aurora. She came to Hands in April 2022 needing repairs on her Ford Focus. The team evaluated the car and found the extent of needed repairs surpassed the value of the vehicle. Antoinette was approved for the LIFT UP Program and a vehicle placement. As a mother of two boys, Antoinette needed a working car to support their activities and to maintain her employment. She has been a para-professional with Denver Public Schools, working with special needs students. She recently successfully became the librarian at one of the DPS high schools. Antoinette is proud to highlight the importance of education for her boys and all the children she gets to serve, especially those who are African American like her. A great car for Antoinette was donated by an Aurora resident and prepared by the Hands automotive team. Unfortunately, a small unexpected expense came up and she had to use some of her savings. Because of her consistent work history Hands was able to connect her to Colorado Credit Union.
Hands and CCU are testing a pilot this year, providing small car loans at a capped interest rate for qualified Hands’ clients. The monthly payment amount fit in Antoinette’s budget and enabled to obtain her new 2011 Chevy Malibu. In August 2022 Antoinette’s placement was featured at Hands’ Concert in the Park with Hazel Miller. Hazel, being a single mom herself, told Antoinette and the crowd that she came to Denver with her two sons as a single mom to start their new life. Hazel’s son, who was assisting the band, took time to talk to Hazel’s young son after the concert. A couple days later the car purchase was finalized at Hands East and the loan was established. For Antoinette, her work in education truly provided the key to her success….and the keys to a reliable car!
