On December 11, 2012, HRDC gave away a 1998 Toyota Mini-Van from an anonymous donor to a deserving family in the Billings area. Case Managers in the Wheels for Work program at HRDC were asked to elect a family who they felt would benefit the most from this donation.

The van went to Kristina Hibbert and her two children, twelve year-old Hayley and seven year-old Elian. Kristina applied to the HRDC Wheels for Work program this fall after repair costs on her vehicle began piling up. As a working single parent of two, reliable transportation is a necessity for Kristina. In addition to working nights at Billings Health & Rehabilitation, she transports her children to school and various appointments and extracurricular activities. Kristina found herself in a position that many struggling families face – ineligible for help yet not earning enough to cover expenses. She was denied Wheels for Work benefits because she was $101.20 over the income eligibility guidelines.

The donors stated their involvement with the Financial Stability Partnership opened their eyes to the transportation needs of families struggling to make ends meet. In their donation letter, the donors asked that ”The van go to a working parent or parents with dependent children who have a demonstrated interest and commitment to sound financial management, but who are struggling to find a way to balance needs with available income. It is our sincere hope that this vehicle will make a significant difference for a family in need. Thank you for helping facilitate this donation.”

HRDC programs participated in: