Gearing Up for Impact
How Vehicles for Change Transforms Lives Through Mobility and Fundraising.
How Vehicles for Change Transforms Lives Through Mobility and Fundraising.
For individuals and families without reliable transportation, everyday opportunities—like employment, education and healthcare—can feel out of reach. Vehicles for Change (VFC) has been addressing this critical need since 1999 by providing affordable vehicles to low-income families. Based in Maryland, VFC takes donated cars, refurbishes them and awards them to families in need for a minimal fee. This program has transformed over 26,000 lives, helping recipients access new job opportunities, increase their earnings and gain a renewed sense of independence.
VFC’s impact extends beyond car awards. The organization also operates the Full Circle Auto Training Center, a reentry internship program offering hands-on automotive training to formerly incarcerated individuals. Through this program, participants gain essential job skills under the supervision of certified master mechanics. Graduates often secure jobs in the automotive industry, providing a sustainable path to economic stability and reducing recidivism rates. VFC’s commitment to job training aligns with its mission to empower individuals by removing transportation barriers and creating new avenues for personal growth.
To sustain and expand its mission, VFC employs a social enterprise model. Through its Freedom Wheels retail outlet, the organization sells select high-value donated vehicles to the public. Proceeds from these sales fund additional car refurbishments and job training programs. VFC also hosts community fundraising events, like the Custom Cars, Cocktails & Change Gala, which raise both funds and awareness for the organization’s work. This approach allows VFC to drive its mission forward while engaging the community in meaningful support.
At The Phoenix,The Phoenix, we proudly support organizations dedicated to transforming lives and empowering communities. By championing impactful causes, we are committed to fostering opportunities and providing resources for people to achieve independence and success.
Vehicles for Change exemplifies how a single program can create a ripple effect of empowerment, turning mobility into a powerful tool for change. For more information on their initiatives or ways to support, visit Vehicles for Change.