Excerpted from “Cars That Can Change Lives” (Frederick News-Post):

Cindy Freeman, director of workforce development at Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley, said the organization is partnering with the nonprofit Vehicles for Change to help more low-income area residents afford vehicles.

Goodwill’s board raised money to recondition 24 cars that will be sold through its Wheels to Work program. Goodwill hopes to sell about two cars every month starting in July.

Vehicles sell for an average $900 to $1,200.

Martin Schwartz, who runs Vehicles for Change, said the organization guarantees loans and participants make payments of about $100 a month.

“That way they’re able to establish credit at the same time they’re paying for the car,” he said.

Most applicants are single mothers with two or three children, making $25,000 or less annually, Schwartz said. In Frederick, applicants include women who have left abusive relationships.

The Frederick News-Post Online.