If you live outside metro Boston and don’t have access to reliable, affordable transportation, everyday tasks—getting to work, buying groceries, attending medical appointments—can feel nearly impossible. For low-income individuals, especially newly arrived refugees, the lack of a vehicle is more than an inconvenience—it’s a barrier to stability and independence.
Since 2022, Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Metrowest has partnered with Second Chance Cars (SCC) to help low-income working adults overcome that barrier. SCC connects qualified individuals with donated, refurbished vehicles, enabling them to acquire or keep their jobs, support their families, and build a future. To be recommended for a car, a person must be an existing JFS client and meet SCC’s eligibility criteria.
Recently, the lives of two JFS clients were transformed through this partnership.
Jose’s Story: Four Miles on a Bike, Now the Driver’s Seat
Jose, a Venezuelan refugee, arrived in the U.S. in December 2023 with his partner, Yucelix, and her two teenage children. Both adults quickly found work at the Verve Hotel—Jose in banquets, and Yucelix in housekeeping. Jose’s shifts often end after midnight, when public transportation is unavailable and for the family, rideshare services are too expensive. For months, he commuted by bicycle—four miles each way, no matter the weather.
Despite the challenges, Jose and his family have been financially independent since October 2024. Active in their local church, they also volunteer to support newly arrived refugee families. After obtaining his U.S. driver’s license, with help from JFS Jose applied for a vehicle through the SCC program. In April, he received a 2014 Chevy Equinox – it was an exciting day for the family!
Now, Jose can get to work safely and reliably. The car also allows the family to support their children’s evening jobs and stay engaged in community life. For Jose and his family, this vehicle represents freedom, safety, and a path to long-term self-sufficiency.
From Survival to Stability: A Syrian Father’s New Beginning
Another hardworking JFS client, a Syrian refugee who relocated from Jordan in September with his family, was working full-time four days a week on minimum wage. Before arriving in the United States the family endured years of hardship—fleeing the war in Syria, then spending several difficult years in Jordan as refugees. In Jordan, steady work was scarce, and the family faced constant financial and emotional strain, with limited access to basic services and little opportunity to build a stable life.
Since arriving in the U.S., the client has shown incredible determination to support his family, quickly securing his full-time job and continually taking steps to improve their circumstances.
Recently, he was offered a contractor job in construction during his 3 days off—with one important condition: he needed a car. Determined to seize this opportunity, JFS contacted SCC on his behalf and was able to include a letter from the employer as part of the request. So impressed with his application, SCC promptly arranged an initial interview with the client, and quickly scheduled the standard budget interview. Soon after, he was approved for a vehicle – his very own 2010 Mazda! – and SCC held a small ceremony to celebrate this milestone. Thanks to SCC’s responsiveness and support, he was able to start his new construction job right away.
The vehicle has been life-changing for the entire family. It now allows them to attend medical appointments without relying on volunteers and to do their own grocery shopping with dignity and independence. The added income from the construction job is giving the family a firmer financial foundation and helping them build a stable future – something they rightly deserve after all they’ve been through. For this family, mobility has brought dignity, independence, and hope.
A Partnership That Drives Change
JFS is proud to partner with SCC to help our hardworking clients secure the transportation they need to reach their goals. These cars are more than a convenience—they are tools for transformation.