Treetops Collective has historically used our relational model to be a connector between New American women and resources and opportunities throughout West Michigan. Being a connector is effective when the barrier to access is a matter of awareness about available resources or knowledge regarding systems navigation. But we also encounter situations where the only barrier is financial, and that is the case with driver's training. Even as we seek to meet strategic, long-term needs in New American communities, we cannot turn away from the practical needs of today that, when met, contribute to long-term flourishing and belonging. To that end, we have decided to launch a Driver's Training Fund to help members of the Concentric program access driver's training.

Through the Driver's Training Fund, we are partnering with local driving instructors and schools to subsidize driver's training for women in the Concentric program. The speed at which we will be able to offer scholarships to members of our program will depend on the funds available.Our goal is to extend this opportunity to four women from each language group represented in Concentric, serving 32 women total for each Concentric cycle.

We have chosen a "scholarship" model in recognition of the varying financial capacity among program members. Whatever gap remains between what a program member is able to pay and what the training costs is what we will fill, whether that is $500, $800, or $1200.

The need is great. We carry with us the knowledge that for every woman who accesses driver's training through this fund there will be many others still waiting for assistance. Your support of the Driver's Training Fund can truly help a New American woman start down a new path toward the life she wants to give herself and her family.