License to Succeed : M’Niya’s Story

M’Niya was 13 when mental health challenges at home led to her placement in foster care. Making her way through the system, she eventually arrived at a group home called San Pasqual Academy (SPA) where she would spend the next 5 years focused on school, her mental and physical health, and also, on rebuilding her relationship with her mom.   

At 18, M’Niya was accepted to Cal State San Marcos. She moved closer to campus, but without a driver’s license getting around was a struggle. M’Niya relied on Uber and public transportation to attend classes, grocery shop and complete errands. The expenses added up. She considered buying a scooter, but what she really needed was a driver’s license.  

At first, M’Niya turned to her mom for help. Through her, she was able to get a basic understanding of the road, but because M’Niya’s mom was grappling with homelessness and living out of her car, the vehicle was unsafe to practice in.   

“It felt impossible,’” remembers M’Niya, “It was a struggle, and I felt scared on the road. The surroundings were overwhelming.”  

That all began to change when M’Niya connected with Just in Time’s Changing Lanes service. Changing Lanes provided her with free behind-the-wheel driving lessons. And, when the time came, a safe car to take the driving test in.  

“I learned how to look over my shoulder for a blind spot, how to park and how to be safe, rather than just practicing to the test.”  

In June, M’Niya passed her behind-the-wheel driving test. Recently, she got her first car. Now she can get to school and run errands with ease.