Thanks to Faulkner Collision of Lancaster, Pa., and GEICO, a local Reading, Pa., resident, Latisha Evans, celebrated the start of the Labor Day weekend with a new job, a new car and renewed hope.

Evans was presented with the keys to a newly refurbished Nissan Altima from the body shop and insurer as part of the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program.

Evans and her children became homeless when they bravely left a domestic abuse situation. They turned to Family Promise of Berks County for shelter and, with the organization’s support, the family was able to stay together as they began to recover from their emotional trauma. Evans was recently offered a job as a security guard at a local hospital. She relies on public transportation to get to work, but struggles to arrange rides home from her late shift.

GEICO donated the car, which was repaired by technicians at Faulkner Collision who volunteered their personal time to restore the vehicle. Other local businesses that contributed to the Recycled Rides vehicle for Evans include RW Mallon Auto Paint & Equipment, RC Towing, Faulkner Nissan, NAPA, PPG Automotive Refinish and LKQ Corporation.

“It’s wonderful to have so many businesses and individuals come together to help this family adjust to life on their own,” said April Lausch of Faulkner Collision Center of Lancaster. “We congratulate Ms. Evans on her new job and hope this gift of transportation eases her commute and provides many opportunities for her family to continue on the road to independence and self-sufficiency.”