Meet Keys to Progress® recipients across the country

"We learned how to come together and work with other people. We learned structure, [...] definite discipline," said Linda. "It helped me to develop into the person that I am now."

After serving, Linda earned her cosmetology degree and after almost 10 years of starts and stops, she opened her salon in 2000. Not only does she serve her clients, but she also travels to nursing homes, senior centers, and even elderly people's homes, offering free and discounted haircuts.

"It's about helping people. I have a love for people," said Linda.

Linda's service doesn't stop there. In 2009, she became a foster parent and has helped foster more than 20 children. This past summer, she was named the Foster Parent of the Year in Prince William County, VA.

Unfortunately, in 2019, the minivan that Linda drove broke down and she had to get a smaller vehicle. The miles have added up, and she would love a larger vehicle to transport her kids, foster kids, and everyone whose life she touches.

In a celebration that involved the whole community, Linda was gifted a new minivan through the Progressive Keys to Progress veteran vehicle giveaway program, and her ecstatic reaction was captured on the TODAY Show.

When the minivan doors opened, Linda screamed in excitement as her foster daughter and grandchildren filed out to hug her. Linda’s lineage of service will continue, as her grandson has followed in her footsteps, serving in the National Guard.

She was so inspired by these classes she went on to become an instructor so she could help other service members like her. Then she turned that passion into a business where she helped even more veterans.

But after having her car totaled in an accident, Jonee was struggling again to get on her feet. That’s when the Progressive Keys to Progress program stepped in, surprising her with a car on the TODAY Show.

She started interning at the Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center helping other veterans get the services they need and founded her own marketing company where she gets the word out about other veteran-owned businesses.

The only problem was her car. It needed a lot of repairs after years of use. That’s when the Progressive and the TODAY Show stepped in to surprise her as a Keys to Progress recipient. Nakisha was overjoyed to receive her new car and expressed her appreciation and thankfulness to all those involved in getting her the vehicle.