Responsible Rides
Buy a car and learn how to maintain it
An affordable auto purchase program for working families in the local community
Anyone who has driven an unreliable vehicle knows it can limit your ability to earn, spend time with family, and choose your housing, schools, and social activities.
This partnership between Freedom First, TAP in the Roanoke Valley, NRCA in the New River Valley, STEP, Inc. in Franklin County, and multiple auto dealers ensures we can reach people throughout our service area.
More Than an Auto Loan
Participants purchase a reliable vehicle with a low-interest loan and gain access to much-needed transportation, especially in our more rural areas where there is limited public transit.
Responsible Rides® helps working families avoid the high interest rates offered by predatory lenders, high down payments, hidden purchase costs, and the limitations caused by a poor credit history.
Responsible Rides® has transformed lives, enabling people to own their own car and have reliable means to get to work.
Program Eligibility
For questions and a full list of Responsible Rides® program requirements, please call (540) 389-0244 and say "loan."
Fight fraud from your phone with card controls
Lost or stolen card? No worries - just turn the card off in your mobile banking app using Card Controls. You can also notify us and order a replacement card with just a few taps! Plus you can set alerts, spending limits, notify us of travel, and more directly from your phone.
"I now have transportation, a job, and have established a solid footing — financially and emotionally. Thank you Freedom First Credit Union."
—CeCe M., Responsible Rides® Participant
"I had a hard time finding my car during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they helped me every step of the way. When I finally found the perfect fit, I was able to walk into my neighborhood Freedom First branch and pick up my check for the auto loan that same day!"
—Alicia S., Responsible Rides® Participant
"I can't imagine where we'd be right now without the car that we do have because it's so reliable."
— Deanna G., Responsible Rides® Participant
"Responsible Rides isn't just 'Here's a car.' It's 'What do you need to know about owning a car? How do you take care of a car? How do you do this yourself?'"
— Mark Crouse, Executive Director of STEP, Inc.
Financial Well-Being Impacts Everyone
No matter where you are in life, you could benefit from a boost in financial well-being.