ATLANTA - After being honored at the Atlanta Children's Shelter (ACS) annual Achiever's Celebration, former client Lisa Terrell said, "My next steps include purchasing a car..." But instead of having to buy one, local sponsor and supporter, LeasePlan USA, gave her a minivan.

Against overwhelming adversity, Lisa Terrell gained the life skills, practices and perspectives of stable independence and accomplished self-sufficiency for her and her daughter with the guidance and assistance of Atlanta Children's Shelter.

"At LeasePlan, our employees are committed and passionate about giving back to the people in the communities in which we do business. And, as a fleet management company, what better way than to provide a much needed source of transportation to a well-deserving family and help them get back on their feet," said Mike Pitcher, president and CEO of LeasePlan USA.

The donated minivan was one of LeasePlan's off-lease vehicles. All mechanical work and preventive maintenance was provided by a local Firestone Complete Auto Care and a new set of tires were donated by TiresPlus, both part of Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC.

Executive Director for ACS, Sandra Keating, Esq., said, "LeasePlan has never failed to step up to any opportunity to support our mission and provide care for our families. This is one more generous gift and one more family deeply touched. Thank you, LeasePlan. "

Each year, the Atlanta Children's Shelter hosts an Achiever's Celebration that honors the more than 5,000 families stabilized by the programs, donors and collaborators of ACS. At this heart-warming event, formerly-homeless families recounted their journey through homelessness to permanent self-sufficiency. Eight women were honored as the Shelter's 2010 Achievers.

All eight women have overcome significant barriers and challenges, and have achieved stable self-sufficiency for their respective family.

This is the third vehicle that LeasePlan, a provider of premium vehicle leasing and fleet management solutions, has donated to ACS and its achievers since starting their relationship in 2008.

About the Atlanta Children's Shelter

Atlanta Children's Shelter provides high-quality, NAEYC-accredited, loving childcare for the young children of homeless families and comprehensive social services designed to guide each family to self-sufficiency. Since 1986, ACS has cared for over 7,800 children and helped stabilize more than 5,100 families.

About LeasePlan USA

LeasePlan USA is a subsidiary of LeasePlan Corp. N.V., the world leading provider of fleet management services. The company, which manages 1.3 million vehicles across 30 countries, offers clients customized plans for total fleet cost reduction through its technologically advanced products and dedication to customer service.