The Facts
Employee absenteeism and tardiness cost employers almost $1300 annually per year.
Transportation has been cited as the most significant barrier to employment for low income residents in suburban areas. This is due to limited public transportation options and nontraditional work hours in some industries such as hospitality, healthcare, and manufacturing.
How we started
In 2011, Pastor Jon Hoekema of Horizon Community Church gathered a number of social service agencies in DuPage County to discover what need was in the community as well as how to partner together to meet that need. Through partnerships, the organizing of Care for Cars began with Walk-In Ministry of Hope in Downers Grove, Horizon Community Church in Downers Grove, and West Suburban Jobs Council in Wheaton.
John Tartaglione, former Vice President at Dana Corporation, provided the leadership to develop and coordinate Care for Cars through a committee of concerned community services in DuPage County Illinois.
Taking Action
We've created a process to provide reduced cost auto repair for low income job seekers and the working poor. Through Tartaglione's extensive employment in the automotive aftermarket for over 35 years, this new venture has developed a strong partnership with NAPA and Genuine Parts Company, NAPA Parts Stores and NAPA AutoCare facilities to provide a process for reduced cost for both parts and labor. Our service providers are NAPA AutoCare facilities:
3D Car Care in Lombard, IL
Lang's Auto Service in Downers Grove, IL
Clarks Car Care in Naperville, IL
Bartel's Auto Clinic in Carol Stream, IL
Funding
Clients are required to pay 20% or $200.00 whichever is lowest, of the retail cost of the repair. Additional costs are covered by CARE for CARS® with grants from private and community-based organizations.
The Process
Applicants are recommended by job coaches or case workers based on motivation, personal responsibility and financial need through an application process with the People's Review Center, a highly respected community based agency in DuPage County. Applicants must live or work in DuPage County. Once the CARE for CARS® staff receives an application, they review it based solely on the repair, to ensure it is a worthwhile investment based on the age, mileage, and type of repair needed. After approval, the applicants are referred to the PRC for a final interview. Some requests are rejected and those applicants are referred to another nonprofit program that provides donated vehicles or low interest car loans in order to purchase pre-screened cars.
The Results
"Thank you so much, I was close to losing my job before Care for Cars® repaired the brakes on my '94 sedan."
- A referral from our Downers Grove partner, Lang's Auto Service, Mr. Craig P.
"I cannot tell you what this help has done for me and my family. I was able to continue my job search after Care for Cars® repaired my ignition, chassis, and brakes. Repairs I could never afford to have done, on my own, at nearly $850.00. I paid only $170.00. I did find a good job and am still working."
- Clark's Car Care, Ms. Tiffany A. with a 2004 Mazda.