TAMPA - When it comes to finding a new job or starting up your own side hustle for extra cash, have reliable transportation to get around our region is critical.

“This is a 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid,” said Mariela Ayala as she showed us her car. 

Mariela is proud to show-off her car because it’s her lifeline. 

“If it wasn’t for Wheels of Success, I wouldn’t have been able to get into a vehicle,” she said.

The non-profit helped her when she needed it the most.

“Just relocating twice during the pandemic my car went down,” she said.

Wheels of Success helped her fix it and they came through one more time after that.

“Next thing you know it’s stuck in a flood, flooding on Bayshore,” she said.

The car was towed and the organization helped her get the Camry. 

With her new car, Mariela was able to hit the road and make her part time job a full time job.

She also driver for different ride-share services before and after work.

“If you don’t have a car, a reliable car in Hillsborough County, it can be very difficult to get around. When I say reliable car, that means being able to maintain the car, gas, insurance, and everything that comes with it,” said Rena Upshaw-Frazier with the group All for Transportation Hillsborough.

Upshaw-Frazier says the size of the county plus getting to other counties makes it difficult.

“You may be taking multiple buses, you may be waiting some time for the next bus to come. We have some local transit options as well but they’re not across the county to get you from one hub to another. For example Plant City to downtown Tampa,” she said.

As for Mariela, she never takes for granted sitting behind the wheel.

“I was able to do things that I wouldn’t have been able to if this car wasn’t given to me. I’ve grown and gone so far in life because of a vehicle,” she said.

Wheels for Success has a pay it forward philosophy. 

Clients make monthly payments based on their ability to pay and donate service hours each month to the organization.