For the seventh year in a row, Houska Automotive donated a newly repaired car to Project Self Sufficiency participant, Karen Claybrook, during the intermission of The Summer Lagoon Concert Series held on the west lawn of Colorado State University’s Lory Center on July 1.
With donated work from Set It Off Premium Painting and Repair, Houska Automotive spearheaded the effort to upgrade the maroon Chrysler Sebring with $5000 worth of repairs including new timing belts, shocks, tires, body-work, tune-ups and detailing.
“We wanted to make sure this vehicle is set-up for the long run,” L.J. Houska, third generation vice president and office manager of Houska Automotive, said. “Anything we perceived as a need for this car was done.”
Claybrook said, “I feel very honored to receive this car. It means so much to me that I don’t even have words for it.”
After being given the keys by Houska, Claybrook and her children, Kaleb, 5, and Abby, 3, jumped into the back seat of the car with huge smiles on their faces.
To be given the car, Claybrook had to go through a very extensive application process and answer questions about she’s accomplished while a participant at Project Self Sufficiency. Having reliable transportation is a key element to success.
“I have established a safe home for my family. I have established the tools to help my family build self esteem. I am proud that we’ve been able to move forward and overcome the death of my son. I am going to school and have started a career, and I’m making money,” Claybrook said as she sat in the driver’s seat of the Sebring.
Houska added, “We just like giving back to the community that’s given so much to us. And we know Project Self-Sufficiency is an avenue that is doing good for people.”
The Lagoon Summer Concert Series is produced by Mantooth Marketing with thanks to the generous support of Title Sponsors Colorado State University, Kaiser Permanente and Thrivent Financial. www.lagoonseries.com
More on Project Self-Sufficiency
Project Self-Sufficiency works with Larimer County single parents to obtain the education and skills needed for living wage employment. PS-S provides holistic case management and wrap-around supports to remove the barriers along the way. The program works with single parents accomplish three things. For information visit www.PS-S.org