By Fr. Justin Fulton
Back in the day, I used to work for an insurance carrier where I would investigate, evaluate, and negotiate settlements on auto accidents and totaled out vehicles. If an accident produced a car that could not be repaired physically or economically, I would negotiate a deal to establish a pre-loss value on the car.
It was good work—but I must admit, I find a deeper sense of value in the work we do here at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. I feel putting our employees and volunteers in a position to serve the poor face-to-face gives me a motivation that is not found anywhere else. I am proud of our employees and volunteers throughout the state. They are modern day apostles spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ here in southern Nebraska. And when they hear at the end of Mass “Go in Peace, Glorifying the Lord by Your Life,” they know they are doing so because they are serving Jesus in the least of our brethren.
Cars are vital to all of us. Could you imagine not having a car? We have all been there when our cars do not start—we are frustrated, angry, and we feel helpless. At CSS, we find many of our clients have trouble keeping jobs because they do not have their own transportation. Relying on buses, carpooling, and rides from friends can only go so far. The ability to keep a job is sometimes correlative to the ability of owning a car.
Owning a car also provides opportunities for conversation and bonding. If one drives their kids to school, a good conversation can commence, ending with a hug between a parent and child. If one does not have a car, this opportunity for conversation could be rushed or lessened.
We attempt to alleviate these stresses here at CSS by helping out with car repairs, financially. Many of the clients we serve have unplanned expenses due to a car breaking down. We help them with repairs and funds to get them back on their feet.
We also have a program where we take donated vehicles and give them to people who do not have any transportation. Our staff is thrilled when we are able to give a single mother a van or sedan to drive her kids around. The sense of pride is palpable when car owners get a reliable form of transportation. Some donated cars which may not be safe to drive get sold to get funds to help the poor as well. All donated vehicles (drivable or non-drivable) to CSS end up helping those in need. If you have a car that you are getting rid of or do not need, feel free to contact us at 402.474.1600 and we would be honored to partner with you to help bring Hope in the Good Life—and we will get you a 1098c to recognize and possibly help your tax benefit.
Let us pray for one another.
Thank you for your faith in Jesus Christ and may God bless us always!
