For the past few years, Jasmine balanced work, raising three children and caring for her mother, all without her own vehicle. In a rural community, that meant every doctor's appointment, sports practice and work shift depended on coordinating rides or borrowing a car. Like so many families living paycheck to paycheck, every financial setback or unexpected expense left Jasmine struggling to keep her head above water, placing goals like owning a reliable vehicle out of reach. Then one unexpected connection changed everything.
When the opportunity to receive a free car came to the participants in Copper Shores Bridges, Jasmine knew she had to apply.
Without reliable transportation, everyday tasks became logistical puzzles, from the moment Jasmine started the day, to the moment she laid down to rest. Hours of every day were spent planning and scheduling for the next moment, the next after school activity, the next shift, leaving no time to plan for the future or get ahead.
“It’s not just hard on me, it’s hard on my kids,” said Jasmine. “They shouldn’t have to worry about where their next ride is coming from.”
Transportation was a barrier that shaped nearly every part of Jasmine's life. Then a conversation with a friend introduced her to the Getting Ahead class and Copper Shores Bridges, a program that would change not just her path forward, but her family’s path. She decided to give her future the attention it deserved.
During the program, Jasmine shared the challenges transportation created for her family. Those conversations eventually reached people who were looking to make a difference for someone exactly like her.
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In Copper Harbor, Marty and Syd Faasson have been enjoying retirement. Their faithful 2000 Saturn had already lived many lives, but like any good neighbor in a small and rural community, they loaned it out from time to time when those around them were in need.
“There aren't many job opportunities in the area,” said Marty. “Most of the people that want or need work can’t get it up here, so they need to commute somewhere.”
As time went on and the car was no longer getting used, the Faassons decided it was time to pass it on. They wanted to give the car away, knowing there are others in the area with similar challenges to their neighbors’.
“We’re very blessed to have the things we need and there are many people out there with less means,” said Syd. “Many people who just need a break.”
Marty reached out to Keweenaw County Sheriff Kurt Pennala, hoping he might be connected with someone in need. As it just so happens, Pennala serves on the Bridges Steering Committee, where he helps support the Getting Ahead program and its participants. He connected the Faassons with Bridges Program Coordinator Rich Simpson, bringing their wish one step closer to reality.
“When Kurt told me about the program, I was all in,” said Marty. “After he introduced me to Rich, we doubled down.”
Upon hearing about the obstacles Jasmine has overcome, they knew she was the perfect recipient for the car. To make sure the car was in its best working condition possible, it needed a new set of wheels… well tires, technically. When Copper Shores reached out to AutoPro Glass & Tire in Houghton, they were more than happy to help, even going so far as to donate the tires in their entirety.
• • •
Like every other week of class, participants received food and gas cards for attending the session. Jasmine expected the usual envelope as the class came to a close. Then Rich handed her something extra.
“I was not expecting it, not even close,” said Jasmine. “Rich casually handed me the gift cards and the keys.”
The vehicle immediately gave Jasmine something she'd been missing for years: time. More time with her kids, more time for herself and the freedom to say "yes" to moments she once had to miss. She is able to take on more work at Superior Cleaners without worrying about transportation. Her youngest child can practice driving and log the required hours to get a license. Jasmine can get to sporting events and spend more time with her children.
“I was able to attend the graduation,” said Marty. “So I not only saw the recipients but also heard their stories and realized they're just the tip of the iceberg. We’ve always donated, usually cash, but this opened our eyes to greater needs in the local community and the unique ways people can help out.”
Stories like Jasmine's illustrate how community connections can transform lives. Through Getting Ahead and the support of fellow residents like Marty and Syd Faasson, a single act of generosity became an investment in one family's future. A simple set of car keys unlocked possibilities that were once out of reach.
“It’s hard to express how thankful I am,” said Jasmine. “I don’t wake up worrying about how I’m going to get to work or how I’m going to take care of my kids anymore, and they get to see that there are good, kind people in this world.”
What began as an unexpected gift became an opportunity for Jasmine to build greater stability for herself and her family. The greatest gift wasn't just a vehicle, it was the chance to spend less time worrying about how to get there and more time focused on where she and her family are going next.