"At WillowBridge, fostering those kinds of relationships is at the heart of our mission. Moments like this – watching a tenant reach a goal she worked so hard for – remind us why our work matters and show the incredible growth that is possible when determination meets guidance."

The moment Skyler* realized she had passed her driving skills test was unforgettable. The journey to that moment included completing driver’s ed, studying for and passing the knowledge test, coordinating lessons with driver’s ed instructors, and logging the required 50 hours of driving practice, all while juggling the new demands of becoming an adult. She had not known whether she passed the skills test or not until the BMV staff started processing her license. Turning to Sean and me, Skyler excitedly mouthed, “I passed!” Sharing that moment with her felt like such a privilege – we couldn’t help but beam with pride.  

For many of our tenants, getting a driver’s license is a top goal – it opens doors to job opportunities, makes education more accessible, and gives them the freedom to manage daily responsibilities on their own. However, many of the young adults we serve lack consistent support of parents or family, which makes achieving goals like getting a driver’s license harder to reach. Most people learn to drive with a parent’s help (and access to their vehicle) - but our tenants often do not have that. Before coming to WillowBridge, they may have had no one to teach them, no vehicle to practice with, and no way to get the required practice hours. In this case, we were able to fill that gap by providing the tools she needed: access to a vehicle for driving practice, guidance in navigating the process, financial support for driver’s ed, and a licensed adult to help her log the required hours.

Over the course of about a year, Skyler kept showing up – scheduling drives with WillowBridge staff, practicing late at night to log the required nighttime hours, and pushing through moments of doubt (parallel parking is hard!). Her steady effort, paired with consistent support, culminated in a milestone achievement. Skyler’s story was a reminder of how supportive adult relationships, that are built on encouragement, accountability, and practical help, can be the difference between a goal left behind and one fully realized.

At WillowBridge, fostering those kinds of relationships is at the heart of our mission. Moments like this – watching a tenant reach a goal she worked so hard for – remind us why our work matters and show the incredible growth that is possible when determination meets guidance.

*Name changed for privacy