Southeast Community College

[PHOTO: Larry Haughton, representing St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Lincoln and its "Transportation for Humanity" program, presents Southeast Community College student Rhiannon Volk with keys to a 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix. ]
Rhiannon Volk is one grateful Southeast Community College student.

On Friday, the single mother of two was given the keys to a 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix, thanks to a program created by St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Lincoln in partnership with SCC.

[PHOTO: From left, Harley, Rhiannon and Brittany Volk are all smiles as they check out the 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix presented to them Friday at SCC's Milford Campus. ]

Volk, a student in SCC's Business Administration program, became the new owner of the vehicle during a presentation on SCC's Milford Campus.

"I was almost in tears when I was told that I would get the car," said Volk, who learned just three days earlier.

Heather Evans, student retention specialist at SCC, was instrumental in identifying Volk as a potential recipient.

"She's so kind and deserving and has worked so hard," Evans said. "She has always taken responsibility in her classes and never looks for a handout."

The car was donated to SCC in May 2007. During the last two years, approximately 10 SCC Automotive and Auto Collision Repair students repaired various aspects of the vehicle, including overhauling its engine and repairing the brakes and doors. Members of SCC's custodial staff also detailed the inside of the car, and Rasmussen Auto Supply in York and O'Reilly Auto Parts in Lincoln donated used parts.

Friday's donation was part of a program St. Mark's created four years ago titled "Transportation for Humanity." Since its inception, the church has received occasional donations of vehicles that are suitable for repair. The vehicles are fixed and then given free of charge to people in the community who have demonstrated a need for reliable transportation but cannot afford it. Larry Haughton, a 1964 graduate of the auto body program in Milford and a member of St. Mark's, presented Volk with the keys and title.

"My dream car has always been a Grand Prix," Volk said.

A Michigan native, Volk has lived in Nebraska six years. She has been a full-time student at SCC since enrolling in July 2007. She is scheduled to graduate in December.

"I hope to get into human resources or payroll accounting," she said. "I'm taking a leadership practicum right now."

Volk, who turns 32 in October, is recently divorced. She and her two daughters, Harley 11 and Brittany 10, were excited when they saw the car.

"Oh, my gosh, is this it?" Volk asked. "I've had a car. It's a six-cylinder running on four-and-a-half. I've just had some very bad luck."

Volk's boyfriend, Juston Wendt, also attended Friday's presentation.

Volk said she has high hopes for a brighter future, thanks in part to the kind people at SCC and St. Mark's.

"The whole point of going to school is to become self-sufficient," she said. "It's been a struggle every day. But I hope to someday pay it forward."

Volk said a bachelor's degree and a career in social work likely were in her future.

Brad Swiggart, a financial representative with Northwestern Mutual Insurance and a member of St. Mark's, was instrumental in starting "Transportation for Humanity" and keeping it going.

"I'm a real car guy," Swiggart said. "We acquire suitable transportation from just about any means we can get it. Then we try to match the car up with needy people."

SCC students are among several beneficiaries of the program, Swiggart said. Other recipients of vehicles include People's City Mission, Friendship Home and Fresh Start. A couple of years ago, students in SCC's Automotive Technology program on the Lincoln Campus were involved in repairing a 1993 Oldsmobile Cierra to give to a student. The car came to SCC with new tires and a new transmission, but it needed a new engine.

"It's a great program," Swiggart said. "We've given vehicles to some international students at SCC. You talk about people who appreciate something. There are so many needy people who are deserving of these cars. It makes a huge difference in their lives."

Dave Sonenberg, dean of student services/financial aid at SCC, said student services personnel are responsible for locating needy students.

"Typically, it's a person experiencing economic hardship and transportation issues," Sonenberg said.

To be considered, people are required to complete and submit a form to St. Mark's.

Years ago, Sonenberg said a single mother in one of SCC's nursing programs received a vehicle. The student went on to graduate from SCC and is now pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing.

"We've been fortunate in identifying people who could benefit," he said. "It's very satisfying to be a part of that. When you ask students if they would be interested in a car, the looks on their faces are ones you want to capture forever."

Recipients are required to carry liability insurance on the vehicle, have a valid driver's license and have the ability to pay all costs associated with registering the vehicle. Vehicles are presented "as-is" and without warranty.

Earlier this month, Swiggart received a $10,000 grant from Northwestern Mutual for the purpose of continuing the program.

Anyone with a vehicle they would like to contribute, or who knows of a deserving family in need of it, is asked to contact Tyra Tate, executive assistant to the senior pastor at St. Mark's, at (402) 489-8885.

For more information, contact:
Stu Osterthun
Administrative Director of Public Information and Marketing
(402) 323-3401
sosterthun@southeast.edu