Seven Dutchess County residents have a new way to get to work, as they are recipients of gently used cars.

This comes after they completed the “Way to Work” employment empowerment program.

The partnership between the Dutchess County Department of Community & Family Services (DCFS) and the Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board (DCWIB) helps residents who are receiving, or eligible to receive, public assistance overcome difficulties involving transportation.

Those who received cars will be using them to work their way up the ladder at work, bring their children to doctor appointments and school, gain access to higher education and more.

“I was past ecstatic. It's a blessing, and it's not for nothing. They couldn't even fathom the amount of help this is just given me and everybody else here. It's on a larger scale than just getting a car,” Kyon, a “Way to Work” car recipient, said.

Those who were selected to get cars were chosen following specific guidelines, such as work-related needs, displaying perseverance and dedication to move toward financial independence.

“To just kind of give someone a leg up, really, just to help out, help someone out, someone who needs it,” Laura Pedevillano, “Way to Work” program coordinator at Dutchess County Works, said.