Meet Amber: Joyful in Hope

Amber is a determined young woman who is working two jobs to support herself, her grandmother, her aunt, and a cousin. She sends money to her parents, both who are incarcerated, and to her two older siblings when she can. In order to get to work each day, Amber has had to make a choice: either pay $20-$30 to take an Uber/Lyft (negating her first 2-3 hours of work), or walk an hour and a half each way in the Texas heat and weather, including crossing a major highway on the way. Now she has a better option, as well as the ability to reach better paying jobs and education opportunities.

 Though she has had every reason to be discouraged in life, including living most of her teenage years on the street due to family addictions, Amber holds her head high and chooses to pursue life with joy and hope that comes from her faith in Jesus. She is the first in her family ever to graduate from high school, and is already taking steps toward her college education. One of Amber’s aspirations is to one day start a non-profit that will help teens who are in the same situations she’s been in.

Amber couldn’t believe it was actually happening when we gathered around her in the parking lot and spoke words of encouragement, love and honor. Her Aunt, grandmother, and advocate – Kathy from Bella House – were on hand to support her – and also make sure we were actually going to give her a car! As we prayed together and took pictures, Amber and the OnRamp DFW team were overwhelmed with emotion and the goodness of God, who sees us in our need and uses others to care for us. The tears flowed freely as we hugged, told Amber how proud of her we are, and again as Amber expressed her gratefulness.

We are so blessed at OnRamp DFW to get to partner with wonderful organizations, like Bella House, to help provide reliable transportation to people who are demonstrating their desire for self-sufficiency and just need a hand up to get back on the road.

Thank you to everyone who prayed, funded, donated their expertise, donated their vehicle, or supported us along the way. Amber’s life has been changed as a result of your action!