Mesa senior finds ‘blessing’ in Arizona vehicle repair program

MESA, Ariz. — For Cheryl Hawk, her car — affectionately called “Blessing” — has lived up to its name for decades. 

The Mesa senior said it’s been her lifeline to independence.

“I wanted to stay independent as a senior, and if you don’t have transportation, it’s very difficult,” Hawk said. “Family works, and a lot of my friends don’t drive anymore. A lot of alternative transportation sources can be very expensive.”

That independence came into question recently when her car failed an emissions test.

“Well, they give you the sheet and they said it didn’t pass,” Hawk said. “And I’m thinking, with the age of the car, I couldn’t afford even a decent used car. I need my vehicle.”

She admits she panicked. “Beyond panic,” she said with a laugh.

Hawk turned to Mercie J. Autocare in Mesa, one of 105 repair shops approved through Arizona’s Voluntary Vehicle Repair Program — a state initiative that helps cover emissions-related repair costs for eligible motorists.

Michael Glanson, owner of Mercie J. Autocare, said Hawk’s car needed several fixes.

“Her car actually had three different types of issues,” Glanson said. “It had some sort of idle control issue and a fuel vapor leak.”

Repairs like that can cost more than $1,000. In Hawk’s case, the bill was about $1,200 — an expense that would have been hard to cover on a fixed income.

Through the state’s program, however, Hawk only paid $100. The program covers up to $900 of emissions-related repair costs once the car’s owner contributes an initial $100.

“If the repairs are $1,000 or under, you’re out the door with $100,” said Sarah Fitzgerald, the program’s manager. “If the repairs go over — say your quote is $1,200 — then the customer is responsible for the extra $300, and the state still picks up $900.”

Fitzgerald said the initiative has made a significant financial difference for many Arizonans. 

Last fiscal year, roughly 16,000 vehicles were repaired through the program, saving motorists more than $10 million in automotive costs.

“Nearly half our customers last year walked out the door paying just $100,” Fitzgerald said.

For Hawk, that help meant the difference between mobility and isolation.

“I honestly don’t know what I would have done otherwise,” she said. “Family members work. A lot of my friends don’t drive anymore, and transportation programs for seniors often have qualifications or limitations. I’m just so glad I didn’t have to worry about that.”

Now back behind the wheel, Hawk said both her car and the program have lived up to their name.

“I just hope this helps other people and they become more aware of it,” she said. “People need the help — especially now.”

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