ABC24 Memphis: Memphis Mother Receives Life-Changing Gift from NABC Recycled Rides Program

Through the Recycled Rides program, a Memphis mother was gifted much-needed transportation.

MEMPHIS, TN — Through the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides program, Pinnacle Financial Partners helped provide reliable transportation for one Memphis mom.

“I feel empowered, and not just for myself, but also for my children and my community,” said NABC Recycled Rides recipient Chanielle Talbird.

Talbird was gifted a free refurbished car with support from NABC, Allstate and Carey’s Body Shop.

“To see her receive this after two years of really working hard to rebuild her life, it is so humbling,” said the founder and chief executive officer of the Women’s Advocacy Center, Romona Jackson.

A single mother, Talbird, is a survivor of domestic violence. During her struggle and the journey to regain her footing, she lost access to reliable transportation.

Now, through the generosity of these organizations, she said, she can safely get her children where they need to go and continue the work she has done for more than a decade: serving Memphis and Shelby County through home visits with her clients.

“I want to be able to continue to do that work, and when you have unreliable transportation, it becomes a hindrance and a barrier,” Talbird said.

Since 2007, the Recycled Rides program has donated more than 3,500 vehicles, valued at approximately $51 million.

The program’s goal is to gift around 300 cars each year. This month alone, they’ve gifted nearly 25 cars and plan to donate 35 more before the end of the year.

“We’re fortunate that we have the ability. The insurance companies have the cars, the repair shops have the talents, and they can all come together to provide reliable transportation to people who really need it,” said NABC Recycled Rides Program Director Dale Ross.

The owner of Carey’s Body Shop, Patrick James, said that, as a program partner, his shop takes a vehicle donated by an insurance partner — in this case, Allstate — and restores it to factory standards, making it safe and reliable.

“It’s an amazing feeling that you get to be able to give somebody that hope,” James said.

With the help of the Women’s Advocacy Center, an organization supporting survivors of domestic violence, Talbird was nominated for the vehicle.

Talbird said that it is important for single moms, or anyone who may find themselves in a situation similar to the one she experienced, to remember that there is always hope.

The NABC Recycled Rides program plans to continue its mission of providing reliable transportation to those who need it most.

If you would like to get involved or would like more information about the program, visit NABC’s website.