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CMA is proud to partner with United Way of Greater Charlottesville (UWGC) to launch a new transportation initiative, #DrivingLivesForward, to connect economically disadvantaged individuals and families with reliable vehicles and affordable auto loan financing. This program is being designed and will be operated to help individuals and families move toward greater financial resiliency and advance career opportunities.

“While working with UWGC for years on the self-sufficiency initiative, it was clear that lack of reliable and affordable transportation was a roadblock for many families in our community. As an auto dealer and a community partner, I felt strongly that we needed to be a part of the solution,” said Liza Borches, CMA’s President and CEO. “Our non-profits had ways to help these families with childcare, job skills, housing and other steps towards self-sufficiency, but didn’t have a solution to the transportation challenge. Through many brainstorming sessions, Driving Lives Forward was created.”

“Reliable transportation is often a massive barrier to work for individuals and families and can therefore hinder them from scaling economically,” said Ravi Respeto, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Charlottesville. “We’re excited to partner with CMA to offer a critical intervention for community members and continue to find sustainable ways to help them and their families live more financially stable lives.”

Driving Lives Forward will assist individuals who lack access to affordable transportation and are unable to maintain or become employed as a result. UWGC will serve as the program administrator and loan-maker, while VNB will donate its loan administration process. CMA will source affordable, reliable vehicles based on each family’s needs. This unique partnership will work with an equity lens for the removal of at least one barrier for local families seeking progress on the road to economic resiliency.

#DrivingLivesForward #MovingLivesForward #proudtobeCMA