A Fresh Start: Local Veteran Receives New Car Through Keys to Progress Program
By Wyatt Anthony, Public Affairs Specialist
When Army Veteran Latasha Holloman learned she had been selected to receive a vehicle through Progressive Insurance’s annual Keys to Progress® program, she could hardly believe it.
After years of facing transportation challenges, the moment represented far more than a set of car keys—it symbolized freedom, stability, and a renewed sense of hope for her and her children.
“I am very excited to receive this wonderful blessing of transportation,” said Holloman. “This experience to regain my independence again is life changing for my family and I.”
The Keys to Progress program, now in its 13th year, is a national initiative that provides vehicles to Veterans in need, helping them access employment, attend medical appointments, and rebuild their lives. Each year, Progressive partners with organizations such as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Enterprise Rent-A-Car to identify deserving recipients.
Holloman, a participant in the HUD-VASH (Housing and Urban Development–VA Supportive Housing) program through the Columbia VA Health Care System, was nominated by her social worker, Robin Taylor, LMSW.
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A Social Worker’s Perspective
For Taylor, moments like this underscore why she chose her profession.
“My work with Veterans in the HUD-VASH program is incredibly rewarding,” said Taylor. “I’ve been a social worker for over 14 years, and helping people has always been at the core of who I am. Working with Veterans gives me the opportunity to give back to the men and women who have served our country.”
Taylor said she first learned that Holloman had been selected through an email from Progressive’s claims representative.
“It was such an exciting moment to read that message and see that she had been chosen,” said Taylor. “Knowing how much this opportunity could change her life, I felt proud and grateful that she was selected.”
Taylor explained that reliable transportation is one of the most common barriers faced by Veterans in HUD-VASH. Many struggle to access work or medical care, even after obtaining stable housing.
“I believe this vehicle and the other gifts will make a tremendous difference in Ms. Holloman’s life,” said Taylor. “She and her children have gone without reliable transportation for quite some time, so having a vehicle will finally give them the freedom and independence they’ve needed.”
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More Than a Car: A Chance at Stability
For Holloman, the gift came at a pivotal time. She and her children were recently housed in a new apartment after a long period of uncertainty. The new vehicle will allow her to access opportunities that were previously out of reach.
“I would not have been nominated without the help of my case worker, Miss Robin Taylor,” said Holloman. “She has been very instrumental and resourceful for me. We have developed a trusted relationship.”
Taylor said the timing couldn’t be better.
“The household gifts will also help them settle comfortably into their new apartment—they were recently housed just a few weeks ago,” said Taylor. “Altogether, this support represents a fresh start for Ms. Holloman and her family, and I truly believe it will motivate her to keep moving forward toward her goals and a brighter future.”
The ceremony took place November 6 at 11 a.m. at Progressive’s Columbia office on Browning Road. During the event, Holloman received her new vehicle along with surprise gift cards to help with essentials like gas, groceries, and household supplies.
“One of Progressive’s core values is the golden rule. Our Keys to Progress veteran vehicle giveaway program is a great way to put that into action, extending this principle to people who have given so much for their country – our military veterans. This program is one of the ways we’re able to give back to our veterans. By providing reliable transportation to Latasha and other veterans, our hope is to offer a little relief and support to help improve the lives of those in the military facing tough personal circumstances for which a vehicle may help—from finding employment or transporting children to and from school to getting to medical appointments, visiting loved ones or volunteering in their local communities,” said Heath Rollins, Progressive Insurance.
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The Power of Partnership
Programs like the Keys to Progress veteran vehicle giveaway exemplify what can happen when corporate and community partners join forces to uplift Veterans. Through this collaboration, the VA’s HUD-VASH program identifies Veterans who are striving toward stability, while Progressive provides the resources to make it possible.
Taylor emphasized how these relationships make a tangible difference.
“Programs like Progressive’s Keys to Progress initiative are life-changing for Veterans like Ms. Holloman, who lack reliable transportation,” said Taylor. “A vehicle helps them get to work, attend appointments, and maintain stable housing—directly supporting HUD-VASH’s mission to end homelessness by combining housing assistance with VA services.”
She said that in all her years of service, this event stands out as one of the most impactful.
“I believe this moment is truly the most memorable of my time working in HUD-VASH,” said Taylor. “For almost three years, I’ve shared many meaningful experiences with Veterans, but I have never seen a gift of this magnitude given to someone in the program.”
“During the April to August application entry period each year, qualified sponsors request and submit applications on behalf of those interested to help Progressive identify recipients who could really use the vehicles. Military veterans, active-duty E-4 or lower [or spouse, if same military member is serving overseas], or those with Gold Star status are eligible as long as they meet program criteria defined in the Official Rules. Eligible applications received within each state during the entry period are reviewed and scored using the judging criteria in the Official Rules to determine potential recipients based on the highest collective scores and background checks,” said Wanda Shippy, Progressive Insurance Community Involvement Manager.
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A Day of Celebration
On the day of the ceremony, Holloman’s excitement wasn’t just for herself, it was for her children.
“Receiving this vehicle is such a wonderful and amazing experience.” said Holloman. “This is going to change our lives and make everyday life easier for me and my kids.”
The event included remarks from Progressive representatives and VA staff, followed by the vehicle presentation and a surprise reveal of the gift cards donated by Progressive employees and partners.
“We hope that this vehicle helps Latasha with her personal transportation needs and also recognizes the sacrifice that our veterans make in protecting the freedoms we take for granted. This is the 13th year of Progressive’s Keys to Progress® vehicle giveaway program. Including this year, we will have donated more than 1,200 vehicles in 13 years to veterans and veteran organizations through this annual event. Progressive remains committed to veterans, their families and veteran organizations and is honored to be able to continue to help veterans. We’re looking forward to continuing this program for years to come,” said Rollins.
Taylor said she hopes the moment inspires other Veterans in the program.
“This program provides more than a car; it gives independence, security, and hope for a brighter future,” said Taylor.
Holloman agreed, sharing a message of resilience for her fellow Veterans who may be struggling.
“The advice that I would give to my fellow Veterans is to never give up, and stay resilient,” said Holloman. “With support and determination, you can overcome anything.”
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A Symbol of Hope
For both Holloman and Taylor, the Keys to Progress ceremony represented the culmination of hard work, faith, and partnership.
It was a moment that embodied the mission of the Columbia VA Health Care System—to serve those who served and ensure every Veteran has the opportunity to live with dignity and independence.
Taylor said it best: “It reminds me every day why I chose this profession.”
And for Holloman, the sound of those new car keys jingling wasn’t just a new chapter, it was the start of a whole new journey.
For more information about what’s going on at the Columbia VA medical center, clinic locations, and other services available to Veterans in and around Columbia, visit the website https://www.va.gov/columbia-south-carolina-health-care/ and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, keyword: VAColumbiaSC.