December 6, 2024 • 17 mins
Kyle Goodknight introduces Cindy Witteeman, who shares her entrepreneurial journey and the origins of her impactful car giveaway initiative. Cindy discusses the challenges she faces in fundraising and logistics, highlighting the lessons learned from overcoming setbacks. The conversation delves into the importance of building community partnerships and expanding assistance to those in need. The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to engage and support their mission.
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Episode Transcript
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(00:00):
Hey there.
Get ready for a deep dive into the world ofCindy Witteeman, a true powerhouse who is
changing lives for single parents
Oh, wow.
In a way you might not expect.
Okay.
I'm intrigued.
Hello, and thank you for listening.
Welcome to the afterburn where Jake Carter andI break down the latest episodes of the
(00:22):
Ignition Path podcast.
I'm Ava Morgan.
And every week, we dive into the conversationsbetween host Kyle Goodnight and his incredible
guests.
And we're here to give you a thoughtful review.
No fluff, no bias, just our honest take on thetopics discussed.
That's right, Ava.
Pulling out the nuggets of wisdom and sometimesdebating the finer points.
(00:43):
We've got plenty to discuss.
So let's dive into
it.
It's not every day you meet someone who's a 5time
Five time.
International best selling author
Wow.
A podcast host
Okay.
Magazine founder
Uh-huh.
And the driving force behind a nonprofit Right.
That's literally giving single parents a freshstart.
That's amazing.
I love that.
(01:03):
That's right.
We're talking about driving single parents
Okay.
And hold on to your hats
Right.
Because this isn't your typical charity.
Interesting.
Cindy's organization, gifts cars
Gifts cars.
Not loans Wow.
To single parents who need that extra boost toget back on their feet.
I love that idea.
And as you'll see
Yeah.
Cindy's personal journey is woven directly intothe fabric of this mission.
(01:25):
That's amazing.
It's a story that starts with overcomingincredible challenges, which really fuels that
drive to empower others.
I see.
Okay.
Yeah.
So let's unpack this.
Alright.
Let's do it.
Starting with Cindy's background.
Okay.
Growing up without running water.
Oh, wow.
Electricity or reliable transportation.
Yeah.
(01:45):
You can imagine how those early experiencesshaped her perspective on the struggles many
families face.
Absolutely.
And what's fascinating is that even as a child
As a child.
Cindy had that entrepreneurial spark.
She wasn't just selling her mother's crafts atschool to make extra money.
Right.
She was actually learning valuable businesslessons.
(02:05):
Oh, okay.
She told a story about how she had to adapt herpricing based on what her classmates could
afford.
That's smart.
Essentially mastering supply and demand beforeshe even hit high school.
That's a great point.
Yeah.
It wasn't just a kid selling trinkets.
It was an early introduction to the realitiesof running a business.
Yeah.
Exactly.
And that entrepreneurial spirit just keptbuilding.
Uh-huh.
(02:26):
She later launched a dachshund rehomingbusiness.
The dachshund rehoming biz
And get this.
Why?
She built her own website using HTML code whenshe was only 18.
Way teen.
That's impressive.
Exactly.
Each venture, no matter how small
Mhmm.
Added to her skill set.
Right.
This wasn't someone who suddenly decided tobecome an entrepreneur after leaving a
(02:47):
corporate job.
Yeah.
Cindy's been building her expertise her entirelife.
Exactly.
And that cumulative experience
Yeah.
Is what makes Cindy's approach to drivingsingle parents so unique.
It's not just about charity.
Right.
It's about truly understanding the challengessingle parents face and finding sustainable
solutions.
(03:08):
So how did she land on this incredible idea ofgiving away cars?
Good question.
It's not exactly the first thing that comes tomind when you think of nonprofit work.
Well, you have to hear her personal story Oh.
To really grasp the why behind it.
Okay.
Cindy escaped a domestic violence situation.
Oh, wow.
And while raising her 2 daughters Mhmm.
She worked 2 jobs
(03:29):
Two jobs?
While attending college.
Oh my gosh.
Those were incredibly tough years.
Yeah.
And it was during that time that she vowed tofind a way to help other single parents facing
similar struggles.
Wow.
That puts things into perspective.
It wasn't an abstract concept for her.
It was deeply personal.
Exactly.
Yeah.
And that's why Cindy wasn't interested in whatshe calls Band Aid solutions.
(03:51):
I see.
She wanted to create something that would trulyempower single parents and provide a lasting
impact.
Okay.
Giving away cars wasn't just a random act ofkindness.
It was a calculated strategy to break downbarriers and open up opportunities.
So was there a specific moment
Uh-huh.
Moment.
That led to driving single parents?
(04:14):
It's actually a pretty classic entrepreneurorigin story.
Really?
Sydney was having dinner with friends
Okay.
And she just blurted out.
She blurted out.
I'm gonna give away cars to single parents.
Wow.
And the amazing part is that she didn't justtalk about it.
She took action.
Oh, wow.
Within a month.
A month.
She had a business plan
Mhmm.
A website up and running
Wow.
(04:35):
And had given away her very first car.
Now that's impressive.
Yeah.
Talk about turning an idea into reality.
Right.
But it's more than just handing over keys.
Right?
Right.
Cindy talks about this ripple effect
Ripple effect.
That driving single parents creates.
Uh-huh.
What exactly does she mean by that?
That's where it gets really interesting.
Okay.
Think about it this way.
Okay.
(04:56):
A traditional nonprofit might measure successby the number of people they serve.
Alright.
But Cindy's vision goes much deeper.
Deeper.
It's about the families whose lives aretransformed, the communities that are
strengthened
Right.
And the cycle of generosity that's set inmotion.
So it's about creating a positive chainreaction that extends far beyond the initial
(05:19):
act of giving a car.
Precisely.
And to illustrate this, there's this amazingstory about Latika Sims.
Okay.
She was a recipient of a car from drivingsingle parents.
Okay.
Now what do you think happened next?
I'm on the edge of my seat.
Yeah.
Did she use the car to land an amazing job.
Even better.
Even better.
Latika was so inspired by the organization'smission that she joined their board.
(05:42):
Oh, wow.
Became vice president of philanthropy.
Wow.
And after achieving financial stability, guesswhat she did?
Okay.
I'm stumped she paid it forward in some way.
Right?
She donated the car back to driving singleparents.
Wow.
And that very same car went on to help anothersingle mother pursue her dream of becoming a
(06:02):
dentist.
Talk about a full circle moment.
Yeah.
Wow.
That's incredible.
It is.
It really shows the ripple effect in action.
Uh-huh.
One act of generosity leading to another andanother.
Exactly.
But does driving single parents have any rulesto prevent recipients from selling the cars?
That's a really good question.
I mean, just to make sure the cars are used fortheir intended purpose?
(06:24):
And they've definitely considered that.
Okay.
There's a board approved sale clause that'sonly used in very specific situations.
Okay.
Like, if the car is beyond repair Uh-huh.
And the recipient needs the funds to purchase anew one.
Right.
Their main goal is to ensure that the cars arehelping families get back on their feet.
That makes a lot of sense.
Yeah.
It's about being flexible while still stayingtrue to the mission.
(06:46):
Exactly.
But I imagine there are other challengesinvolved in running a nonprofit like this.
You're absolutely right.
Giving away cars is a logistical feat.
Yeah.
And Cindy's faced her fair share of hurdlesalong the way.
I can only imagine.
Yeah.
It's not like giving away bicycles or giftcards.
Right.
We're talking about cars Mhmm.
Which means a whole other level ofresponsibility and cost.
(07:08):
Exactly.
And one of the biggest challenges for anynonprofit is fundraising.
Oh, yeah.
For sure.
It can be especially difficult for a cause thatmight not have the same widespread awareness
as, say, a disaster relief organization.
Ah, I see.
But Cindy's had to get creative to keep drivingsingle parents running.
(07:28):
So what are some of the fundraising strategiesthey use?
Woah.
I'm guessing those cars don't come cheap.
You you're right.
They don't.
Yeah.
They rely heavily on individual donations,which can range from small contributions to
larger gifts from philanthropic individuals.
Right.
They also organize fundraising events
Mhmm.
Partner with local businesses for sponsorshipsOkay.
(07:49):
And utilize online platforms like GoFundMe toreach a wider audience.
It sounds like a constant hustle to securefunding
It is.
Especially when you consider the ongoingexpenses beyond just purchasing the cars.
Absolutely.
There's insurance registration fees
Alright.
And, of course, the inevitable repairs.
Yeah.
Cars break down.
(08:09):
Mhmm.
And those unexpected costs can really strainthe budget.
And you can't just pick up any old clunker.
No.
I imagine finding the right car for each familyis a challenge in itself.
You're hitting on another key aspect of Cindy'sapproach.
Okay.
She's incredibly meticulous about selecting theperfect vehicle for each recipient.
(08:31):
Mhmm.
Taking into account their specific needs andlifestyle.
Right.
If a single parent has a long commute, they'llprioritize fuel efficiency.
Makes sense.
If they have a large family, they'll look for aspacious vehicle.
It's about going the extra mile to make surethe car truly meets their needs.
That's amazing.
Yeah.
It's not just a handout.
It's about understanding each family's uniquecircumstances and finding the best possible
(08:54):
solution.
Exactly.
But I'm sure there are times when things don'tgo according to plan.
Oh, of course.
How does Cindy handle setbacks?
Well, I think her background has instilled inher a remarkable resilience.
Oh, I see.
She has this great saying.
Okay.
There's no win or lose.
You either win or you learn.
It's about adapting, finding solutions, andnever giving up on the mission.
(09:18):
That's an inspiring outlook.
Yeah.
It's easy to get discouraged when things gowrong.
Right.
But it sounds like Cindy uses those challengesas opportunities to learn and grow.
Exactly.
For example, there was a situation where theygave away a car.
Okay.
And shortly after, the transmission failed.
Oh, no.
It's a huge expense they hadn't anticipated.
Right.
But instead of letting it derail their efforts,SimGEN thought is a chance to improve their
(09:41):
vetting process for donated vehicles.
So they turned a negative experience into apositive change that benefits the organization
in the long run.
I love that.
Yeah.
But does driving single parents offer any othertypes of assistance besides the cars?
Like, what if a family needs help with housingor food?
That's a great question, and it speaks to theholistic approach Cindy believes in.
(10:05):
Okay.
While their primary focus is on providingvehicles, they understand that reliable
transportation is just one piece of the puzzle.
Right.
So they've built a network of partnerships withother organizations that provide food
assistance, housing support, job training, andeven legal aid.
So
it's like a one stop shop for single parents toconnect with a whole range of resources.
(10:25):
Exactly.
They act as a hub connecting people with thesupport they need to not just survive
Right.
But to thrive.
Uh-huh.
And this brings us to another crucial aspect ofdriving single parent success, community
involvement.
You know,
I was just thinking about that.
Yeah.
It takes a village, as they say.
What kind of support does driving singleparents receive from the community?
(10:45):
They've built some incredible relationshipswith local businesses and organizations.
Alright.
We already mentioned Red McCombs, Ford West,and Carvana.
Right.
But they've also partnered with Service Kingfor discounted repairs and maintenance.
Okay.
And they work with smaller dealerships tosource affordable, reliable vehicles.
It sounds like a win win situation.
(11:05):
It is.
Businesses get to give back to the community.
Uh-huh.
And driving single parents gains valuableresources.
Right.
But beyond these larger partnerships, I betindividual volunteers play a big role too.
You're absolutely right.
Okay.
They have a dedicated team of volunteers whohelp with everything from car maintenance and
detailing to event planning and fundraising.
(11:26):
Oh, wow.
It's a true community effort.
Mhmm.
And speaking of community, there's one storythat really highlights Cindy's commitment to
finding the perfect car for each recipient.
Okay.
She once visited 42 dealerships
42?
To find the exact right vehicle for a singledad who needed a wheelchair accessible van for
(11:48):
his son.
Wow.
42 dealerships.
That's incredible.
It is.
It really shows how much she cares about eachand every person they help.
It's not just about ticking boxes.
It's about making a genuine difference in theirlives.
You know, it's interesting you bring up theidea of making a difference.
Yeah.
I think that's what really sets driving singleparents apart.
(12:10):
Okay.
It's not just about charity.
It's about empowering individuals to takecontrol of their lives.
Absolutely.
And that empowerment can have a ripple effecton families and communities.
Yeah.
But beyond the practical benefits of having areliable car
Mhmm.
I'm curious about the emotional impact.
You know, I'm always fascinated by the power ofself worth and overcoming anxiety.
(12:33):
Uh-huh.
And I can only imagine how receiving a carimpacts those things for single parents who
have been struggling.
That's such an insightful observation, and it'ssomething Cindy has witnessed firsthand time
and time again.
She often talks about the tears of joy, thesense of relief, and the renewed hope that
washes over recipients when they receive theircar keys.
It makes you realize that a car is so much morethan just a mode of transportation.
(12:57):
Right.
It's a symbol of freedom and the ability toprovide for your family.
Yeah.
Those are powerful things, especially forsomeone who's been facing
constant challenges.
Exactly.
Cindy shared a story about the very first carthey gave away.
Oh, wow.
And it really highlights that emotional impactyou're talking about.
Yep.
K.
The recipient was a man who had lost his wifeand his leg in a drunk driving accident.
(13:19):
Oh my goodness.
He became a single dad overnight, dealing withimmense physical and emotional pain while also
trying to figure out how to navigate life witha disability.
That's heartbreaking, but I can see howreceiving a car in that situation would be
truly life changing.
It was for him, the car wasn't just aboutgetting around.
(13:39):
Yeah.
It was about regaining a sense of control.
He told Cindy that for the first time since theaccident, he felt like he could breathe again.
Wow.
The car allowed him to take his son to school,go to doctor's appointments, and even start
looking for a job.
It gave him a sense of hope and purpose when heneeded it most.
You know, that reminds me of a time when my owncar broke down
Yeah.
And I was suddenly faced with the reality ofnot being able to get to work the grocery store
(14:03):
or even visit friends.
Right.
It was a temporary inconvenience for me, but itmade me realize how much we take reliable
transportation for granted.
Yeah.
I can't imagine the stress and anxiety singleparents must feel when they're constantly
struggling with transportation issues.
It's a huge burden, and it could affect everyaspect of their lives.
(14:23):
Right.
But when you remove that barrier, it creates aripple effect that extends far beyond just
getting from point a to point b.
Yeah.
It can impact their mental health, their jobprospects, their children's well-being.
Yeah.
It really is a catalyst for positive change.
This deep dive has been so inspiring, Cindy'sstory.
And the stories of the people driving singleparents has helped are a powerful reminder that
(14:45):
even small acts acts of kindness can have aprofound impact.
Absolutely.
It's a testament to the power of humanconnection and the idea that we all have the
capacity to make a difference in the world.
Before we wrap up, let's make sure everyoneknows how they can connect with Cindy and
driving single parents.
Yeah.
You can visit their website at driving singleparents dot org Okay.
Or send an email to info at driving singleparents dot org.
(15:08):
Perfect.
And be sure to check them out on social media.
Just search driving single parents on Facebookand Instagram.
And for those of you in the San Antonio area,consider donating to driving single parents.
Yes.
Whether it's a one time gift or recurringdonation, every dollar makes a difference in
their mission to provide cars to deservingsingle parents.
(15:30):
Exactly.
Even if you're not in a position to donatefinancially, Sydney had a great call to action.
Oh, yeah.
Share their content, spread the word about theamazing work they're doing.
You never know who might see it and be inspiredto help volunteer or even reach out for
assistance themselves.
So as we conclude this deep dive, I wanna leaveyou with this thought.
Cindy's journey is a testament to the power ofbelieving in yourself and taking action on your
(15:55):
dreams.
What seemingly impossible dream might becomeachievable for you if if you had the right
support system and the courage to go for it?
That's such a great question to ponder.
Thanks for joining us on this inspiring journeyinto the world of Cindy Witteeman and driving
single parents.
Absolutely.
Until next time.
Keep exploring, keep learning, and keep makinga difference.
(16:17):
Alright.
That's it for today's review on the afterburn.
Thanks for joining us as we broke down anotherawesome episode of the ignition path podcast.
If you haven't listened to it yet, make sure tocheck it out.
Kyle always brings something new to the table,and we're here to make sure you don't miss a
beat.
For sure.
And don't forget, each week, we're here to giveyou the straight talk on these episodes,
(16:39):
pulling out what really matters for yourentrepreneurial journey.
See you next time and keep igniting your pathto success.
Hey there.
Get ready for a deep dive into the world ofCindy Witteeman, a true powerhouse who is
changing lives for single parents
Oh, wow.
In a way you might not expect.
Okay.
I'm intrigued.
Hello, and thank you for listening.
Welcome to the afterburn where Jake Carter andI break down the latest episodes of the
(00:22):
Ignition Path podcast.
I'm Ava Morgan.
And every week, we dive into the conversationsbetween host Kyle Goodnight and his incredible
guests.
And we're here to give you a thoughtful review.
No fluff, no bias, just our honest take on thetopics discussed.
That's right, Ava.
Pulling out the nuggets of wisdom and sometimesdebating the finer points.
(00:43):
We've got plenty to discuss.
So let's dive into
it.
It's not every day you meet someone who's a 5time
Five time.
International best selling author
Wow.
A podcast host
Okay.
Magazine founder
Uh-huh.
And the driving force behind a nonprofit Right.
That's literally giving single parents a freshstart.
That's amazing.
I love that.
(01:03):
That's right.
We're talking about driving single parents
Okay.
And hold on to your hats
Right.
Because this isn't your typical charity.
Interesting.
Cindy's organization, gifts cars
Gifts cars.
Not loans Wow.
To single parents who need that extra boost toget back on their feet.
I love that idea.
And as you'll see
Yeah.
Cindy's personal journey is woven directly intothe fabric of this mission.
(01:25):
That's amazing.
It's a story that starts with overcomingincredible challenges, which really fuels that
drive to empower others.
I see.
Okay.
Yeah.
So let's unpack this.
Alright.
Let's do it.
Starting with Cindy's background.
Okay.
Growing up without running water.
Oh, wow.
Electricity or reliable transportation.
Yeah.
(01:45):
You can imagine how those early experiencesshaped her perspective on the struggles many
families face.
Absolutely.
And what's fascinating is that even as a child
As a child.
Cindy had that entrepreneurial spark.
She wasn't just selling her mother's crafts atschool to make extra money.
Right.
She was actually learning valuable businesslessons.
(02:05):
Oh, okay.
She told a story about how she had to adapt herpricing based on what her classmates could
afford.
That's smart.
Essentially mastering supply and demand beforeshe even hit high school.
That's a great point.
Yeah.
It wasn't just a kid selling trinkets.
It was an early introduction to the realitiesof running a business.
Yeah.
Exactly.
And that entrepreneurial spirit just keptbuilding.
Uh-huh.
(02:26):
She later launched a dachshund rehomingbusiness.
The dachshund rehoming biz
And get this.
Why?
She built her own website using HTML code whenshe was only 18.
Way teen.
That's impressive.
Exactly.
Each venture, no matter how small
Mhmm.
Added to her skill set.
Right.
This wasn't someone who suddenly decided tobecome an entrepreneur after leaving a
(02:47):
corporate job.
Yeah.
Cindy's been building her expertise her entirelife.
Exactly.
And that cumulative experience
Yeah.
Is what makes Cindy's approach to drivingsingle parents so unique.
It's not just about charity.
Right.
It's about truly understanding the challengessingle parents face and finding sustainable
solutions.
(03:08):
So how did she land on this incredible idea ofgiving away cars?
Good question.
It's not exactly the first thing that comes tomind when you think of nonprofit work.
Well, you have to hear her personal story Oh.
To really grasp the why behind it.
Okay.
Cindy escaped a domestic violence situation.
Oh, wow.
And while raising her 2 daughters Mhmm.
She worked 2 jobs
(03:29):
Two jobs?
While attending college.
Oh my gosh.
Those were incredibly tough years.
Yeah.
And it was during that time that she vowed tofind a way to help other single parents facing
similar struggles.
Wow.
That puts things into perspective.
It wasn't an abstract concept for her.
It was deeply personal.
Exactly.
Yeah.
And that's why Cindy wasn't interested in whatshe calls Band Aid solutions.
(03:51):
I see.
She wanted to create something that would trulyempower single parents and provide a lasting
impact.
Okay.
Giving away cars wasn't just a random act ofkindness.
It was a calculated strategy to break downbarriers and open up opportunities.
So was there a specific moment
Uh-huh.
Moment.
That led to driving single parents?
(04:14):
It's actually a pretty classic entrepreneurorigin story.
Really?
Sydney was having dinner with friends
Okay.
And she just blurted out.
She blurted out.
I'm gonna give away cars to single parents.
Wow.
And the amazing part is that she didn't justtalk about it.
She took action.
Oh, wow.
Within a month.
A month.
She had a business plan
Mhmm.
A website up and running
Wow.
(04:35):
And had given away her very first car.
Now that's impressive.
Yeah.
Talk about turning an idea into reality.
Right.
But it's more than just handing over keys.
Right?
Right.
Cindy talks about this ripple effect
Ripple effect.
That driving single parents creates.
Uh-huh.
What exactly does she mean by that?
That's where it gets really interesting.
Okay.
Think about it this way.
Okay.
(04:56):
A traditional nonprofit might measure successby the number of people they serve.
Alright.
But Cindy's vision goes much deeper.
Deeper.
It's about the families whose lives aretransformed, the communities that are
strengthened
Right.
And the cycle of generosity that's set inmotion.
So it's about creating a positive chainreaction that extends far beyond the initial
(05:19):
act of giving a car.
Precisely.
And to illustrate this, there's this amazingstory about Latika Sims.
Okay.
She was a recipient of a car from drivingsingle parents.
Okay.
Now what do you think happened next?
I'm on the edge of my seat.
Yeah.
Did she use the car to land an amazing job.
Even better.
Even better.
Latika was so inspired by the organization'smission that she joined their board.
(05:42):
Oh, wow.
Became vice president of philanthropy.
Wow.
And after achieving financial stability, guesswhat she did?
Okay.
I'm stumped she paid it forward in some way.
Right?
She donated the car back to driving singleparents.
Wow.
And that very same car went on to help anothersingle mother pursue her dream of becoming a
(06:02):
dentist.
Talk about a full circle moment.
Yeah.
Wow.
That's incredible.
It is.
It really shows the ripple effect in action.
Uh-huh.
One act of generosity leading to another andanother.
Exactly.
But does driving single parents have any rulesto prevent recipients from selling the cars?
That's a really good question.
I mean, just to make sure the cars are used fortheir intended purpose?
(06:24):
And they've definitely considered that.
Okay.
There's a board approved sale clause that'sonly used in very specific situations.
Okay.
Like, if the car is beyond repair Uh-huh.
And the recipient needs the funds to purchase anew one.
Right.
Their main goal is to ensure that the cars arehelping families get back on their feet.
That makes a lot of sense.
Yeah.
It's about being flexible while still stayingtrue to the mission.
(06:46):
Exactly.
But I imagine there are other challengesinvolved in running a nonprofit like this.
You're absolutely right.
Giving away cars is a logistical feat.
Yeah.
And Cindy's faced her fair share of hurdlesalong the way.
I can only imagine.
Yeah.
It's not like giving away bicycles or giftcards.
Right.
We're talking about cars Mhmm.
Which means a whole other level ofresponsibility and cost.
(07:08):
Exactly.
And one of the biggest challenges for anynonprofit is fundraising.
Oh, yeah.
For sure.
It can be especially difficult for a cause thatmight not have the same widespread awareness
as, say, a disaster relief organization.
Ah, I see.
But Cindy's had to get creative to keep drivingsingle parents running.
(07:28):
So what are some of the fundraising strategiesthey use?
Woah.
I'm guessing those cars don't come cheap.
You you're right.
They don't.
Yeah.
They rely heavily on individual donations,which can range from small contributions to
larger gifts from philanthropic individuals.
Right.
They also organize fundraising events
Mhmm.
Partner with local businesses for sponsorshipsOkay.
(07:49):
And utilize online platforms like GoFundMe toreach a wider audience.
It sounds like a constant hustle to securefunding
It is.
Especially when you consider the ongoingexpenses beyond just purchasing the cars.
Absolutely.
There's insurance registration fees
Alright.
And, of course, the inevitable repairs.
Yeah.
Cars break down.
(08:09):
Mhmm.
And those unexpected costs can really strainthe budget.
And you can't just pick up any old clunker.
No.
I imagine finding the right car for each familyis a challenge in itself.
You're hitting on another key aspect of Cindy'sapproach.
Okay.
She's incredibly meticulous about selecting theperfect vehicle for each recipient.
(08:31):
Mhmm.
Taking into account their specific needs andlifestyle.
Right.
If a single parent has a long commute, they'llprioritize fuel efficiency.
Makes sense.
If they have a large family, they'll look for aspacious vehicle.
It's about going the extra mile to make surethe car truly meets their needs.
That's amazing.
Yeah.
It's not just a handout.
It's about understanding each family's uniquecircumstances and finding the best possible
(08:54):
solution.
Exactly.
But I'm sure there are times when things don'tgo according to plan.
Oh, of course.
How does Cindy handle setbacks?
Well, I think her background has instilled inher a remarkable resilience.
Oh, I see.
She has this great saying.
Okay.
There's no win or lose.
You either win or you learn.
It's about adapting, finding solutions, andnever giving up on the mission.
(09:18):
That's an inspiring outlook.
Yeah.
It's easy to get discouraged when things gowrong.
Right.
But it sounds like Cindy uses those challengesas opportunities to learn and grow.
Exactly.
For example, there was a situation where theygave away a car.
Okay.
And shortly after, the transmission failed.
Oh, no.
It's a huge expense they hadn't anticipated.
Right.
But instead of letting it derail their efforts,SimGEN thought is a chance to improve their
(09:41):
vetting process for donated vehicles.
So they turned a negative experience into apositive change that benefits the organization
in the long run.
I love that.
Yeah.
But does driving single parents offer any othertypes of assistance besides the cars?
Like, what if a family needs help with housingor food?
That's a great question, and it speaks to theholistic approach Cindy believes in.
(10:05):
Okay.
While their primary focus is on providingvehicles, they understand that reliable
transportation is just one piece of the puzzle.
Right.
So they've built a network of partnerships withother organizations that provide food
assistance, housing support, job training, andeven legal aid.
So
it's like a one stop shop for single parents toconnect with a whole range of resources.
(10:25):
Exactly.
They act as a hub connecting people with thesupport they need to not just survive
Right.
But to thrive.
Uh-huh.
And this brings us to another crucial aspect ofdriving single parent success, community
involvement.
You know,
I was just thinking about that.
Yeah.
It takes a village, as they say.
What kind of support does driving singleparents receive from the community?
(10:45):
They've built some incredible relationshipswith local businesses and organizations.
Alright.
We already mentioned Red McCombs, Ford West,and Carvana.
Right.
But they've also partnered with Service Kingfor discounted repairs and maintenance.
Okay.
And they work with smaller dealerships tosource affordable, reliable vehicles.
It sounds like a win win situation.
(11:05):
It is.
Businesses get to give back to the community.
Uh-huh.
And driving single parents gains valuableresources.
Right.
But beyond these larger partnerships, I betindividual volunteers play a big role too.
You're absolutely right.
Okay.
They have a dedicated team of volunteers whohelp with everything from car maintenance and
detailing to event planning and fundraising.
(11:26):
Oh, wow.
It's a true community effort.
Mhmm.
And speaking of community, there's one storythat really highlights Cindy's commitment to
finding the perfect car for each recipient.
Okay.
She once visited 42 dealerships
42?
To find the exact right vehicle for a singledad who needed a wheelchair accessible van for
(11:48):
his son.
Wow.
42 dealerships.
That's incredible.
It is.
It really shows how much she cares about eachand every person they help.
It's not just about ticking boxes.
It's about making a genuine difference in theirlives.
You know, it's interesting you bring up theidea of making a difference.
Yeah.
I think that's what really sets driving singleparents apart.
(12:10):
Okay.
It's not just about charity.
It's about empowering individuals to takecontrol of their lives.
Absolutely.
And that empowerment can have a ripple effecton families and communities.
Yeah.
But beyond the practical benefits of having areliable car
Mhmm.
I'm curious about the emotional impact.
You know, I'm always fascinated by the power ofself worth and overcoming anxiety.
(12:33):
Uh-huh.
And I can only imagine how receiving a carimpacts those things for single parents who
have been struggling.
That's such an insightful observation, and it'ssomething Cindy has witnessed firsthand time
and time again.
She often talks about the tears of joy, thesense of relief, and the renewed hope that
washes over recipients when they receive theircar keys.
It makes you realize that a car is so much morethan just a mode of transportation.
(12:57):
Right.
It's a symbol of freedom and the ability toprovide for your family.
Yeah.
Those are powerful things, especially forsomeone who's been facing
constant challenges.
Exactly.
Cindy shared a story about the very first carthey gave away.
Oh, wow.
And it really highlights that emotional impactyou're talking about.
Yep.
K.
The recipient was a man who had lost his wifeand his leg in a drunk driving accident.
(13:19):
Oh my goodness.
He became a single dad overnight, dealing withimmense physical and emotional pain while also
trying to figure out how to navigate life witha disability.
That's heartbreaking, but I can see howreceiving a car in that situation would be
truly life changing.
It was for him, the car wasn't just aboutgetting around.
(13:39):
Yeah.
It was about regaining a sense of control.
He told Cindy that for the first time since theaccident, he felt like he could breathe again.
Wow.
The car allowed him to take his son to school,go to doctor's appointments, and even start
looking for a job.
It gave him a sense of hope and purpose when heneeded it most.
You know, that reminds me of a time when my owncar broke down
Yeah.
And I was suddenly faced with the reality ofnot being able to get to work the grocery store
(14:03):
or even visit friends.
Right.
It was a temporary inconvenience for me, but itmade me realize how much we take reliable
transportation for granted.
Yeah.
I can't imagine the stress and anxiety singleparents must feel when they're constantly
struggling with transportation issues.
It's a huge burden, and it could affect everyaspect of their lives.
(14:23):
Right.
But when you remove that barrier, it creates aripple effect that extends far beyond just
getting from point a to point b.
Yeah.
It can impact their mental health, their jobprospects, their children's well-being.
Yeah.
It really is a catalyst for positive change.
This deep dive has been so inspiring, Cindy'sstory.
And the stories of the people driving singleparents has helped are a powerful reminder that
(14:45):
even small acts acts of kindness can have aprofound impact.
Absolutely.
It's a testament to the power of humanconnection and the idea that we all have the
capacity to make a difference in the world.
Before we wrap up, let's make sure everyoneknows how they can connect with Cindy and
driving single parents.
Yeah.
You can visit their website at driving singleparents dot org Okay.
Or send an email to info at driving singleparents dot org.
(15:08):
Perfect.
And be sure to check them out on social media.
Just search driving single parents on Facebookand Instagram.
And for those of you in the San Antonio area,consider donating to driving single parents.
Yes.
Whether it's a one time gift or recurringdonation, every dollar makes a difference in
their mission to provide cars to deservingsingle parents.
(15:30):
Exactly.
Even if you're not in a position to donatefinancially, Sydney had a great call to action.
Oh, yeah.
Share their content, spread the word about theamazing work they're doing.
You never know who might see it and be inspiredto help volunteer or even reach out for
assistance themselves.
So as we conclude this deep dive, I wanna leaveyou with this thought.
Cindy's journey is a testament to the power ofbelieving in yourself and taking action on your
(15:55):
dreams.
What seemingly impossible dream might becomeachievable for you if if you had the right
support system and the courage to go for it?
That's such a great question to ponder.
Thanks for joining us on this inspiring journeyinto the world of Cindy Witteeman and driving
single parents.
Absolutely.
Until next time.
Keep exploring, keep learning, and keep makinga difference.
(16:17):
Alright.
That's it for today's review on the afterburn.
Thanks for joining us as we broke down anotherawesome episode of the ignition path podcast.
If you haven't listened to it yet, make sure tocheck it out.
Kyle always brings something new to the table,and we're here to make sure you don't miss a
beat.
For sure.
And don't forget, each week, we're here to giveyou the straight talk on these episodes,
(16:39):
pulling out what really matters for yourentrepreneurial journey.
See you next time and keep igniting your pathto success.
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