When Mina first connected with SparkHope Automotive (formerly Hands of The Carpenter), she wasn’t asking for something flashy or new. She was simply praying for something safe.
Mina is a single mother to her darling daughter, MJ. Like so many of the moms we serve, she carries the full weight of providing, protecting, and planning for her child’s future. She works full-time at a local eatery—showing up day after day, doing whatever it takes to keep food on the table and a roof overhead.
But transportation had become a painful setback.
When a “Good Deal” Turns Into a Setback
Determined to stay independent, Mina saved and purchased what she described as a “horrible lemon of a used car” from a small dealership. Within just a few months, the vehicle began failing her. Repairs stacked up. Reliability disappeared. The stress returned.
For a single mom, a failing car doesn’t just mean inconvenience…it can mean missed shifts, lost wages, unsafe travel, and constant anxiety. Safety isn’t optional for her—it’s essential. Reliable transportation means the freedom to get to work, attend appointments, care for her daughter, and move through life without fear of being stranded or vulnerable.
Seven Months of Sacrifice
What makes Mina’s story especially powerful is her perseverance.
She saved for seven months.
Several times during that stretch, she had to dip into her savings just to cover rent. Each time that happened, the finish line moved further away. But she didn’t give up. She kept working. Kept saving. Kept hoping.
That determination is something we see often in our placement program. SparkHope’s vehicle placement program is designed for working single moms who are doing everything they can—but need a reliable vehicle to break the cycle of instability. Moms contribute financially toward their vehicle, participate in client services, and partner with our team to ensure long-term sustainability. It’s not a handout—it’s a hand up, rooted in dignity, accountability, and hope.
The Day Everything Changed
Finally, the day came.
SparkHope was able to place a 2006 Toyota Prius Hybrid with Mina—a dependable, fuel-efficient vehicle that fit her needs and budget. For a working mom commuting daily, the hybrid’s gas savings alone will make a meaningful difference in her monthly expenses.
When she received the keys, her gratitude was immediate and heartfelt. What she saw wasn’t just a car—it was stability. Safety. A fresh start.
Reliable transportation means Mina can get to work confidently. It means MJ can get where she needs to go without uncertainty. It means fewer emergency repair bills and more breathing room in the budget.
It means freedom.
More Than a Vehicle
At SparkHope, we know that a car represents something bigger. For moms like Mina, it restores control in a season that has often felt chaotic. It supports independence after abuse. It creates margin where there once was constant strain.
Mina did the hard work. She saved. She persevered. She showed up for her daughter every single day.
We are simply honored to come alongside moms like her—providing reliable transportation so they can continue building safe, strong futures for their families.
