Foster Youth Gains Independence with Car Donation from Community Partnership

Gloria Rodriguez, a 22-year-old foster youth, was beaming with excitement and hope today as she received her first car — a gently used Ford EcoSport SE — thanks to a community partnership between the Dream Center, Kern County Network for Children (KCNC), and Jim Burke Ford. The donation marks a transformative moment in Rodriguez’s journey toward independence and success.

Transportation has been a persistent challenge for many foster youth, limiting their ability to pursue their goals, such as a career or higher education. Before this milestone, Rodriguez relied on her girlfriend’s car, Uber, or public transportation to navigate her daily life. 

“Transportation was one of the biggest things I was worrying about,” Rodriguez shared. “That was always a barrier for me.”

This car donation is a game-changer for Rodriguez, empowering her to pursue her goals with newfound freedom. She plans to attend the Corrections Officer Academy in Sacramento and continue her education with a major in social work and a minor in criminology. She says she is thrilled about what lies ahead. 

“I like to go see my family, and some of them live out of town, some of them live across town,” Rodriguez explained. “It’s just going to be a big help, being able to spread my wings.” 

The gift is part of an ongoing initiative led by KCNC and supported by community donors and Jim Burke Ford. Bryanna Wood, Prevention Specialist at the Network, explained that the idea began when a generous donor approached the organization, asking how she could help foster youth overcome barriers. 

“A lot of our youth struggle with transportation. Sometimes they don’t have the social or family support to get access to a car, to take their driving lessons, or get their license,” Wood said.

The donor worked with the Dream Center and KCNC to develop the idea of providing a gently used car to deserving youth in the community. The group partnered with Jim Burke Ford to acquire the vehicle, and Wood says it’s been a successful program ever since. 

“This will be our third year that a youth will receive a car, and we’re really excited for the partnership. It’s been such a blessing,” she said.

Jim Burke Ford provided Rodriguez with a silver EcoSport SE, which was chosen for its reliability, space, and practicality. 

“Ford is intentional in this partnership about giving us cars that will be economical for the youth,” Wood explained. 

The program is designed to ensure sustainability. Individuals selected for the car donation go through a rigorous application process, including budget planning and financial screening.

Wood said it’s vital that recipients are prepared to handle the responsibilities of car ownership, like insurance and maintenance. The Dream Center also provides ongoing support to ensure success.

For Rodriguez, the car represents more than transportation — it symbolizes independence, opportunity, and a brighter future. 

“I’m not limited in my goals anymore,” she said. “I can do so much more and not worry about how I’m going to get there. I’m just excited.” 

With plans to visit the beach, explore hiking trails, and reconnect with family, Rodriguez looks forward to enjoying things that were once out of reach. She also hopes her story will inspire other foster youth to pursue their goal and reach for more. 

“Don’t be afraid to rely on your support system. That’s one thing that’s gotten me this far: learning to rely on the Dream Center when I need help,” Rodriguez said. “It’s about relying on yourself too and trusting yourself that you’re going to get to your goals.”