THE ARC OF NJ - How My Car "Mitsu" Made a Difference

NicoleDeRosa
Jan 16, 2021
2 min read

Updated: Mar 13

Eight years ago, I was in a car accident that totaled my vehicle. Shaken to the core, I began searching for a car that would make me feel safe + protected, like I was wrapped in bubble wrap.

Eventually, I found "Mitsu", my Mitsubishi Outlander. I fell in love immediately. Mitsu wasn’t just a car; she was the first car I ever owned + our “relationship” had begun.

Fast forward to March 2020, when the pandemic hit + quarantine began. Most days, I would look out the window at poor Mitsu sitting there. Some days, my depression made it impossible even to turn her on for a short drive around the block or a little escape along the beach. Mitsu was starting to have some reliability issues, too, which only added to my sense of frustration + hopelessness.

During that time, I felt a strong need to help others + contribute in any way I could, even if I couldn’t volunteer in person. I signed petitions, sent emails + donated small amounts here + there. Still, I wanted to do something bigger, something that would have a meaningful impact.

Since autism has always been close to my heart, I decided to donate Mitsu to benefit the autistic community. I began researching organizations that accepted car donations.

I emailed a kind woman named Ellen at Autism New Jersey, who explained that the organization didn’t have a car donation program. But she shared that she had personally donated her car to The Arc of the United States, supporting The Arc of Union County, where her brother receives services. She assured me the process was simple.

I visited The Arc of New Jersey website to learn more. Their mission resonated deeply:

“The Arc of New Jersey promotes and protects the human rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes; and is committed to enhancing the quality of life of those individuals and their families through advocacy, empowerment, education, and prevention.”

About a month later, I received a letter in the mail from The Arc of New Jersey. I was thrilled to learn that Mitsu had found a new home + the proceeds from her sale would support a variety of programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.