Meet Shawn—a hardworking single mom, grandmother, and security officer who knows what it means to keep pushing forward, even when life throws challenges her way.
While most of her children are grown, Shawn still has a 16-year-old son at home and regularly cares for her two young grandchildren, ages 2 and 5. She works as a security officer at the Denver Rescue Mission, employed through Secure Top, a company that adjusts her work location based on need—often affecting her pay. On top of all this, she manages her household on a tight budget, with support from food stamps and housing assistance, though her rent still comes out to $1,200 a month.
When Shawn came to Hands of The Carpenter in November 2024 through the TLC program, it quickly became clear that her vehicle wasn’t just unreliable—it was unsafe. She recalls that moment clearly:
“A coworker introduced me to Hands of The Carpenter, as she had been a previous client. I called and they made an appointment to look at my vehicle. Upon review, they notified me that I had been driving an unsafe vehicle.”
Because of her recent hip and knee surgeries, Shawn needed a vehicle that wasn’t too compact, but also not too high off the ground—something accessible, practical, and dependable for her daily life. Hands listened.
“They assured me they could help get me into a safe and reliable vehicle that fit my every need,” she said. “After explaining what I was looking for, they were able to place me in a 2008 Chrysler Town & Country minivan.”
This vehicle has been a game-changer for Shawn and her family. She no longer has to worry about getting stuck on the side of the road while taking her son to sports practice or bringing her grandbabies to school and camp.
“I have never experienced having anyone care enough to make sure of the safety of myself and my children,” Shawn shared. “I want to thank Sara and the automotive team for helping me with a safe and reliable vehicle.”
For Shawn, the support she received from Hands of The Carpenter wasn’t just mechanical—it was deeply personal.
“Thank you, Hands of The Carpenter. You truly are there for single moms with kids. I am grateful to have you.”
