Being a single mom isn’t easy as it is, but add in not having access to reliable transportation, and life can quickly get more difficult.

Albany resident NaKecia Smith, a single mom of four kids, found herself in this situation when she had to let her job go. “It was hard for me and my four kids to get around,” Ms. Smith said. “It was even worse because of the pandemic.”

Then United Way of Southwest Georgia and Synovus Bank stepped in. Thanks to the generosity of Synovus Bank, United Way was able to award a vehicle to a deserving partner agency participant. Through this partnership, Smith not only received a Honda Element but Gieryic’s Automotive Repair and Woodall Oil Company also made commitments to assist with basic oil change services for a year and gas incentives. “Families need a steady source of income yet transportation presents a difficult and underreported challenge in finding a job and managing life without a car,” said United Way of Southwest Georgia President and CEO, Shaunae Motley. “Synovus understands that opportunity doesn’t count unless you’re able to show up for it. Their commitment to the Albany/SWGA community is testimony of what loving your neighbor really means.  We are beyond grateful for our banking and community relationship with them.”

Over the past year, Nakecia Smith has been enrolled in Strive2Thrive, an economic mobility initiative funded in part by United Way. The program helps families move toward self-sufficiency. Working closely with her Strive2Thrive coaches, Smith has been setting and achieving goals. She is pursuing stability and independence through employment/life skills training and having reliable transportation will help move her and her four children from poverty to prosperity.

 Ms. Smith became emotional when she picked up the keys for her new car at the United Way office three days before Christmas, and one day before her birthday. “Honestly, I am so grateful and blessed.  These type of things don’t happen to us.” she said.

Strive2Thrive Executive Director, Alvita Swain has worked with NaKecia for more than a year. “There is not a more deserving person. This generous hand-up for a single mom of four, is an example of what can happen when the business community partners with United Way of Southwest Georgia.  Partner agencies like Strive2Thrive are then able to assist families to move from surviving to thriving!”

Synovus Commercial Banker and Vice-President of Community Banking, Daniel Stone also shared more about their commitment to community. “Today, we are honored to continue community legacy through our partnership with United Way of Southwest Georgia and Strive2Thrive and our new friendship with Ms. Smith.  To our partners at United Way and Strive to Thrive, thank you for providing economic mobility programming that impacts individuals and their families so positively.  Ms. Smith, we applaud you for your achievements through Strive to Thrive, recognizing that you’ve overcome some monumental challenges along the way. Your perseverance is commended and will continue to take you far.  We’re so pleased to be a part of this next, important step in your journey and will be praying for you and cheering you on along the way.”