From prison to paid jobs as auto-mechanics; three fathers are awarded the gift of a car through Vehicles for Change

Holiday wishes will come true for three families awarded the gift of a car through Vehicles for Change. The keys will be handed over to the recipients during a Noon celebration Wednesday at VFC’s 4111 Washington Blvd, in Halethorpe, Baltimore County, Maryland.

Ali Cornish of Baltimore City is the father of two with a third child on the way.  He said he is excited to have the freedom to bring his family places now that they will have a car. Until now, Cornish has had to take the bus to his job at a local car dealership.  The two-hour trip each way also cost him $60 a week. Now his commute will be less than 30-minutes.

Daquan Yates of Baltimore County is a father of three who braved a strenuous 2.5-hour commute to work, a mix of bus rides and long walks, all to ensure a better future for his children. For Yates, this isn’t just a car; it’s a symbol of regained independence, a tool for empowerment, and a means to reclaim lost time and create more memories with his family.

Ricky Scott of Baltimore County has been employed as a technician at Firestone for the last 3 months. He said this car will change his early morning commute to work tremendously. He had been forced to take several buses to weave his way to his job. Scott will now be able to visit his 12-year-old daughter easier, rather than using public transportation.

Vehicles for Change Founder and President Martin Schwartz explained, “transportation has long been the main barrier to employment for people living in poverty; car ownership becomes a vehicle for hope to a better future. Vehicles for Change understands the transformative power of transportation. Our recipients report not only increased pay, but many are going back to school and taking their children to after-school, recreational and athletic activities never before possible. Individuals are empowered when they have access to transportation. It enables them to conveniently reach their workplaces, educational institutions, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities.”

Event details:

• Vehicles for Change, 4111 Washington Blvd, Halethorpe, Md 21217
• Wednesday December 20
• 12:00 p.m. 

The three recipients earned their Automotive service certifications at the Full Circle Training Center.  Ali Cornish explained, “Full Circle Training Program really changed my life. I had some trouble before, but Vehicles for Change helped me turn things around. They gave me a chance when I needed it most. I want to say a big thank you to Vehicles for Change and Full Circle Training and everyone who’s helped me. You didn’t just give me a car; you gave me and my family a brand-new start.”

Facts:

• More than 8000 vehicles have been awarded to low-income families, changing the lives of 26,000 people through educational and employment opportunities.
• 75% of VFC recipients get better jobs and/or boost their earnings an average of $7000 within the first year.
• Vehicles for Change is the first in the nation to use virtual reality auto mechanics training inside prison walls to teach automotive skills to incarcerated individuals. The innovative program opens opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals to work in the car care industry, which boasts an estimated 300,000 job openings nationwide.

About Vehicles for Change
VFC empowers families with financial challenges to achieve economic and personal independence through car ownership and workforce development through technical training. VFC accepts and repairs donated cars and awards them to pre-qualified families for as little as $950, enabling low-income families to become self-sufficient. Eligible families are referred to VFC through partnering social service-type agencies. As a nonprofit organization, VFC receives 99 percent of its car donations from the public. Since 1999, VFC has awarded almost 8,000 cars to low-income families, changing the lives of more than 26,000 people. Our Full Circle Auto Repair and Training Center is an employer-driven, paid internship social enterprise designed to provide auto technician training to individuals with multiple barriers to employment, including many recently released from incarceration. The interns repair the donated vehicles as a part of their hands-on training. VFC car donors gain a substantial tax advantage unavailable to most other charities. For additional information about Vehicles for Change or to donate a vehicle, visit www.vehiclesforchange.org or call 410-242-9674.