SUV presented to PS-S recipient at June 18 CSU Lagoon Summer Concert Series Show
Houska Automotive in Fort Collins is a steadfast partner of Project Self-Sufficiency of Northern Colorado, positively impacting the lives of numerous individuals. Since its founding in 1952, Houska has steadfastly given back to Northern Colorado. This year it awarded PS-S participant, Lijo Joseph, a 2012 GMC Terrain with 82,000 miles. PS-S serves single parents residing in Larimer and Weld counties.
“Lijo is a devoted single father of two teenagers who has spent much of his life serving young people internationally, especially those from underserved communities,” explained PS-S Lead Advisor Robin Adams. “In his commitment to uplifting others, he set aside his dreams. But after going through a difficult divorce, he courageously chose to begin again, returning to school with a renewed purpose: to become an art teacher and empower children through creativity.”
“The Houska Automotive team is proud to be able to donate a vehicle to a Project Self-Sufficiency family for the 17th year,” said Houska Automotive Vice President LJ Houska. “As many of us know, raising kids is not an easy job, especially if you don’t have reliable transportation. Hopefully, this car will make Lijo’s life a little easier. Helping our community members with transportation is what Houska’s has done for the past 73 years.”
This donated vehicle is more than just a means of transportation. It will allow Lijo – who graduated summa cum laude with a degree in art education from Colorado State University – to take his children safely to and from school, commute to work, and lead after-school art programs. He is genuinely grateful for this generous gift and the support of Houska and its donors. It serves as a reminder to him, and all of us, that when neighbors lift one another, hope grows.
PS-S’s Mistie Trefry shared her organization’s appreciation for Houska Automotive’s support of single parents on the road to self-sufficiency. “Houska’s commitment to our community is priceless, and the impact of their car donations has kept families rolling toward success. Previous recipients have gone on to fulfilling careers in social work and respiratory therapy, building stable futures for their families. Their ongoing partnership demonstrates that reliable transportation is essential to self-sufficiency, and your generosity continues to transform lives across our community.”
“This is the true essence of community, shared Lijo. “I look forward to paying it forward and being a light for others, just as this gift has been a light for me and my children.”
