RAPID CITY, S.D. — In a world where so many hold tight to what they have, one stranger chose to let go. And in doing so, he changed a young life forever.
When a local man’s mother moved into assisted living, he was left with her old car, a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix with barely 80,000 miles. Instead of selling it for a few thousand dollars, he decided to do something extraordinary. He asked a simple question: “Who needs this?”
That question made its way to Bailey Johns, coordinator for the Connecting Youth Possibilities program at CASA of Rapid City. The program supports youth who are aging out of foster care, offering them guidance, resources, and hope as they step into adulthood, often alone.
Bailey immediately thought of a young man preparing to age out of the system. Like many foster youth, he didn’t have the financial support or family connections to help him get started in life. A car, something most people take for granted, would mean the world to him. It would mean freedom. It would mean independence.
With the help of a dedicated CASA volunteer named Corinne Christenson, the car was transferred into the young man’s name. She stood by him every step of the way, navigating insurance, registering the title, and making sure he understood the responsibilities that came with this generous gift. She had worked with him for years and knew what this moment meant.
Now, that young man is living on his own, building a life, and driving that same Grand Prix. He is not just getting to work or to the grocery store. He is moving forward in a way that once seemed out of reach.
Most donations to CASA are monetary, and while those gifts are deeply appreciated, Bailey says it’s the simple, tangible things that often make the biggest difference: a bed, a coat, a pair of shoes that actually fit. In this case, it was a car, and a selfless stranger who saw an opportunity to lift someone up.
“I think it’s going to be so much more valuable to someone in need than a couple thousand dollars would be to me,” the donor said, choosing to remain anonymous.
Maybe this one act of kindness will be the spark. Maybe others will look at what they have and ask themselves that same powerful question: “Who needs this?”
Because sometimes, the road to a better life starts with someone willing to give just a little, and the courage to believe that one small act can change everything.
To donate: call 605-394-2203 or visit casaofrapidcity.org
