I just finished writing my most important Rev's Garage article yet: Cars and Charity - changing the world one alternator at a time. Car guys and girls like us really can change lives in meaningful ways for needy families! I'll show you how my wife and I are doing that in our community. I'd love to have you give it a read, comment, and like (if so inclined). And even more important, please consider becoming involved in the life of at-risk families.
congrats and great that you are guys are doing something to give back. i keep thinking of things but never sure how to do something that I always think of of for helping out.
Good on you! I've long said that if I had the money to do so I'd like to start a non-profit repair shop where we'd fix vehicles for free or at a significantly reduced rate for those in need and teach those owners basic car upkeep (since many problems can be avoided by basic maintenance) and ideally even have a training program to teach people to be mechanics and learn a trade.
Bravo Rev, you are truly making the world better.
I worked in the car care ministry at my old church for years: http://www.fox5atlanta.com/good-day/mechanic-makes-car-repairs-a-ministry-in-powder-springs
I moved too far away to make the trek over to the shop anymore, so I do a "lite" version at my current church using my home garage. Mostly brake jobs, oil changes, and wiper blades for widows and single moms. The way I see it I was given a talent for fixing cars, so I should share it with those who need it.
Ashyukun (Robert) said:Good on you! I've long said that if I had the money to do so I'd like to start a non-profit repair shop where we'd fix vehicles for free or at a significantly reduced rate for those in need and teach those owners basic car upkeep (since many problems can be avoided by basic maintenance) and ideally even have a training program to teach people to be mechanics and learn a trade.
Yes. Yes. Yes! This is exactly the right idea! These are great suggestions, and would meet significant needs in the impoverished community. Here’s another idea I had dreamed up: to teach young at-risk youth how to do auto repair, how cool would it be to get them on a low budget endurance racing team with a few really experienced guys. They could learn how to wrench while at the same time enjoying the thrill of being at a race track. It could also provide networking opportunities and maybe even future employment! It would be a win for everyone. Now I just need to get rich so I can make it happen :-)
ckosacranoid said:congrats and great that you are guys are doing something to give back. i keep thinking of things but never sure how to do something that I always think of of for helping out.
One idea if you’re willing is to make your skills and abilities known to a nonprofit in your community that you trust. Perhaps someone like Habitat for Humanity. Let them know that if they have a client in need of auto repair, to contact you. That way you’re not getting just anyone off the street, nor are you getting overwhelmed by numbers. You just get clients whom Habitat for Humanity has already screened and identified as worthy individuals. In a sense, you’re partnering with H4H rather than individuals.
In reply to TheRev :
For the longest time just up the street from our new house there was a small (2-bay) repair shop that had sat empty since before we bought the house 4 years ago and I had dreamed of being able to buy the place and start up my charity garage- unfortunately I didn't win the lottery in that time (note: I also never bought lottery tickets....) and about a year ago someone bought it and converted it into a liquor store. :(
In reply to Ashyukun (Robert) :
A automotive Habitat for Humanity is a cool idea.
slefain said:Bravo Rev, you are truly making the world better.
I worked in the car care ministry at my old church for years: http://www.fox5atlanta.com/good-day/mechanic-makes-car-repairs-a-ministry-in-powder-springs
I moved too far away to make the trek over to the shop anymore, so I do a "lite" version at my current church using my home garage. Mostly brake jobs, oil changes, and wiper blades for widows and single moms. The way I see it I was given a talent for fixing cars, so I should share it with those who need it.
That's awesome! What a great ministry at the church, and what you're doing. The "lite" version is often enough to help a lot of people. Brake jobs are actually the most common item we get. Add battery replacement, and you've probably covered 2/3 of the need! Very well done, sir.
I've enjoyed reading through your website. We have a two bay garage shop as part of our church. My pastor does work for people who need help one day a week. I told him if I could have helped out just that one day over the years, I would have learned so much from him. Good work. God bless!
In case you're interested, here is why my wife and I founded our automotive charity, OnRamp, as told by Jackie, our second client. Reliable transportation can change a family forever. If you'd like to help us help countless more single moms like her who need reliable transportation, let me know.
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