Client 73: Carrying a Great Responsibility!
Frances receiving the keys to her beautiful van, a vehicle that will allow her to transport her and her many grandkids
In August 2025, The Cross Church in Wylie, TX received a request from one of the Wylie schools regarding Frances and her family. At first, the need seemed simple: a third-row seat for her aging 1997 Dodge Caravan. But as the church learned more about Frances and the nine grandchildren that she was raising all on her own, it became clear that their needs went much deeper.
Frances had taken on the incredible responsibility of raising her grandchildren, and The Cross Church + Hope for the Cities committed to supporting the family however they could. Since then, they have helped with Christmas gifts, birthdays, and other practical needs.
Yet, one of the family's greatest challenges was transportation.
Frances' 1997 Dodge Caravan had faithfully served her family for decades, but it was becoming increasingly unreliable. The van had starting issues, a leaking transmission, and multiple oil leaks. For a household of this size, dependable transportation was essential.
A reliable vehicle would allow Frances to safely get her grandchildren to school, medical appointments, church, and extracurricular activities. It would provide the stability they needed to continue thriving.
But what stands out most about Frances is not the responsibility she carries. It is the faith with which she carries it.
Those who know Frances describe her as one of the strongest and most faith-filled people they have ever met. Her trust in Jesus is evident in the way she loves and serves her grandchildren, and that example has shaped them as well.
A Surprise That Changed Everything
On giveaway day, Frances arrived with her grandchildren, but she had not told them what they were doing or what was waiting for them! As far as they knew, it was simply another morning errand.
Waiting for them was a beautifully maintained Honda Odyssey, generously donated by a family who wanted to bless another family in need.
The donors went above and beyond. Since the van had a built-in DVD player and screen, they filled it with DVDs for the kids to enjoy on future drives.
As the surprise began to sink in, one of the grandchildren shouted:
"Oh my gosh, does that mean we will have A/C in the car now?!"
It was a simple question, but it captured exactly why moments like this matter.
For many people, a working air conditioner and a reliable vehicle are things we rarely think about. For Frances and her grandchildren though, it represented comfort, safety, and the reminder that their community sees them and cares about them.
This van was more than a replacement for an aging vehicle. It was a gift of stability, opportunity, and hope.
Thank You for Making Stories Like This Possible
Stories like Frances' happen because of people who believe reliable transportation can change lives.
Every vehicle donated, every financial gift given, and every volunteer who serves helps OnRamp DFW provide more than transportation. Together, we help families gain stability, independence, and hope.
We are grateful for the family who donated this van, Cross Church for walking alongside Frances, and every supporter who makes this mission possible.
Photos and story shared with consent from the client and family.
