Life Change Garage: Transforming Lives, One Vehicle at a Time
Photo and Story by Adriana Keeton, [email protected] and Teresa Phillips
Life Change SWMO was awarded a $23,000 grant from Mercy Hospital last week. Proceeds from the grant will benefit the Life Change Garage, as well as the Jobs for Life, Faith and Finances and Alpha classes. It will also be used to provide child care for persons participating in services and classes, meal coordination and administration services at Life Change SWMO.
Shown above, left to right, are Linda Marple, Adene Smith, Jennifer Beeson, Molly Holtmann, Ginger Otto, Derek Cornelius, Bill Hennessey, Jeff Fugitt, Carolyn Bishop, Darci Englin, and Emily Jackson.
Shown above, left to right, are Linda Marple, Adene Smith, Jennifer Beeson, Molly Holtmann, Ginger Otto, Derek Cornelius, Bill Hennessey, Jeff Fugitt, Carolyn Bishop, Darci Englin, and Emily Jackson.
Life Change SWMO, led by Derek Cornelius, offers a variety of services designed to support individuals in their personal and spiritual growth. They host Sunday evening services and a Tuesday lunch Bible study, providing a community for spiritual nourishment and fellowship. Additionally, they offer a range of classes, including Jobs for Life and Faith and Finances, aimed at equipping individuals with essential job seeking competencies and financial literacy. Complementing these initiatives is the Life Change Garage, which offers two invaluable programs: vehicle repair and low-cost vehicle purchases. This initiative is dedicated to providing essential automotive services to individuals and families who may otherwise struggle to afford them.
The repair program at Life Change Garage is designed to assist those in need of vehicle maintenance and repairs. To qualify for this program, applicants must complete an application and meet specific income guidelines. Vehicle maintenance classes and community service may be required as well. Once the application is approved, Cornelius personally meets with the vehicle owner to review the necessary repairs. The vehicle owner is responsible for purchasing the required parts, and then Cornelius completes the repairs, currently in his home garage. The process is straightforward and ensures fairness and efficiency. This program offers up to three repairs per year per person, ensuring that recipients can maintain reliable transportation without the burden of excessive repair costs.
For individuals seeking affordable vehicle ownership, Life Change Garage offers a low-cost vehicle purchase program. To participate, applicants must have a verifiable job offer or be working at least 30 hours per week, hold a Missouri driver’s license, provide proof of insurance, and meet the program's income and budget guidelines. This initiative aims to make vehicle ownership accessible to those who need it most, providing a vital resource for employment, education, and daily life.
Life Change Garage operates through the generosity of donations from the community. They currently accept reoccurring or one time monetary donations, tools, gift cards, auto parts, cleaners, fluids, and even unwanted vehicles. These contributions are crucial in helping to continue this mission of supporting individuals and families through reliable transportation. Looking to the future, Life Change Garage aims to secure a dedicated shop location, enhancing their capacity to service more individuals in need. They also seek to enlist volunteers skilled in automotive repair, further amplifying their impact and promoting a stronger sense of community involvement.
Life Change Garage exemplifies the transformative power of compassion and practical assistance. By addressing the transportation challenges faced by individuals in their community, they not only mend cars but also mend lives. Whether through repairs or affordable vehicle options, Life Change Garage is paving the way towards a brighter, more mobile future for all those they serve.
For more information on how to apply for assistance or to make a donation, please visit the Life Change Garage website, contact Derek Cornelius directly at [email protected], or visit the Life Change office at 404 State Highway 248 in Cassville.
The repair program at Life Change Garage is designed to assist those in need of vehicle maintenance and repairs. To qualify for this program, applicants must complete an application and meet specific income guidelines. Vehicle maintenance classes and community service may be required as well. Once the application is approved, Cornelius personally meets with the vehicle owner to review the necessary repairs. The vehicle owner is responsible for purchasing the required parts, and then Cornelius completes the repairs, currently in his home garage. The process is straightforward and ensures fairness and efficiency. This program offers up to three repairs per year per person, ensuring that recipients can maintain reliable transportation without the burden of excessive repair costs.
For individuals seeking affordable vehicle ownership, Life Change Garage offers a low-cost vehicle purchase program. To participate, applicants must have a verifiable job offer or be working at least 30 hours per week, hold a Missouri driver’s license, provide proof of insurance, and meet the program's income and budget guidelines. This initiative aims to make vehicle ownership accessible to those who need it most, providing a vital resource for employment, education, and daily life.
Life Change Garage operates through the generosity of donations from the community. They currently accept reoccurring or one time monetary donations, tools, gift cards, auto parts, cleaners, fluids, and even unwanted vehicles. These contributions are crucial in helping to continue this mission of supporting individuals and families through reliable transportation. Looking to the future, Life Change Garage aims to secure a dedicated shop location, enhancing their capacity to service more individuals in need. They also seek to enlist volunteers skilled in automotive repair, further amplifying their impact and promoting a stronger sense of community involvement.
Life Change Garage exemplifies the transformative power of compassion and practical assistance. By addressing the transportation challenges faced by individuals in their community, they not only mend cars but also mend lives. Whether through repairs or affordable vehicle options, Life Change Garage is paving the way towards a brighter, more mobile future for all those they serve.
For more information on how to apply for assistance or to make a donation, please visit the Life Change Garage website, contact Derek Cornelius directly at [email protected], or visit the Life Change office at 404 State Highway 248 in Cassville.
