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Press Releases

October 1, 2004

Goodwill launches Wheels-to-Work program

MUSKEGON – Goodwill Industries of West Michigan (GIWM) announces the launch of its new “Wheels-to-Work” program linking donated vehicles to persons in need of reliable transportation in order to obtain or maintain employment. Emulating similar programs many Goodwills across the country have already put into practice, the plan is a natural fit for the agency.

“Goodwill’s mission is all about helping people train for, and find, good jobs in order to gain self-sufficiency. Lack of transportation can sometimes be the final, critical obstacle in people achieving this goal. It’s another essential employment support service we can now offer,” said Goodwill President Richard Carlson.

Auto recipients in the program will be referred to GIWM by collaborating local partners: Michigan Department of Career Development/Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Michigan Department of Career Development/Michigan Works!, and the Family Independence Agency. Eligibility criteria is primarily based on a person’s need for an automobile in order to maintain or secure employment.

Customarily, GIWM accepts a modest number of donated vehicles each year and sells them on the open market with funds channeled back into its mission of employment and training. With the launch of this new program, Goodwill will actively pursue and solicit auto donations. Appropriate vehicles (modest, dependable, good condition) will be targeted for the program. Inspection and necessary repairs will be made by Goodwill to make the vehicle safe and reliable. In addition, program participants will receive preventative maintenance training and will be required to complete quarterly vehicle inspections for one year. Referring agencies will then reimburse Goodwill a nominal fee.

As always, donors may claim a tax deduction based on the “fair market value” of their car. Cars that need extensive repairs, or cars that far exceed requirements for the program, will be salvaged or sold and the revenues generated back into the Wheels-to-Work program. Additional funding to support and grow the program will also be sought from other sources. Individuals, as well as car dealerships, auto rental companies, etc. are encouraged to donate their cars to Goodwill to support this important program.

Contact:
Liz Witzler, Marketing Director
Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, Inc.
(231) 722-7871 x223
www.goodwillwm.org

Wheels-to-Work Program

Program Purpose: to provide automobiles to low-income persons in need of reliable transportation for the purpose of going to work or retaining employment; thereby assisting them in the transition from dependency to self-sufficiency.

Program Need: Goodwill Industries of West Michigan provides training and employment services to over 5,000 individuals annually. Lack of affordable and reliable transportation is one of the major barriers to employment for many of these people. Current research and employment program outcome data supports this:

In 2000, the Poverty Research and Training Center of the University of Michigan identified transportation problems as the most prevalent barrier to employment for welfare recipients.

President Bush’s New Freedom Initiative also cites “lack of adequate transportation” as a “primary barrier to work for people with disabilities” – another group of persons Goodwill assists with employment opportunities.

Program Overview:
VEHICLE ACQUISITION: Donated vehicles will be solicited from the general public, businesses, car dealerships, and others. As vehicles are received, they will be inspected for road-worthiness and a list of recommended repairs and costs developed. Inspections and repairs will be provided by qualified, licensed, private-sector partners.

Targeted vehicles will fall within the $1,000 to $4,000 retail sale range. Vehicles of less value with prohibitive recommended repairs, or vehicles significantly exceeding this retail sale range, will be sold as salvage, or sold to the general public, with proceeds funneled back into the Wheels-to-Work program.

PARTICIPANT IDENTIFICATION: Applicants will be matched with donated vehicles consistent with established guidelines.

Key considerations include:

• Applicants who need automobiles to maintain employment. (Primary)
• Applicants with job offers. (Secondary)
• Applicants engaged in active job search. (Tertiary)

• Own a valid driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record.
• Agree to maintain employment, secure and maintain liability insurance, report for quarterly vehicle inspections, and attend vehicle maintenance training.

Program Outcomes: The primary outcome measure for the program is recipients’ job retention rate, which will be measured at 90, 180, 270 and 360 days. Additional data to be collected and monitored will be: number of vehicles donated, number of vehicles granted to participants, number of vehicles sold as salvage and revenue collected, and number of vehicles sold to general public and revenue collected.

Community Partnerships and Collaborations: Key referral agencies to play significant roles in the success of this program include:

• Michigan Department of Career Development/Michigan Rehabilitation Services
• Michigan Department of Career Development/Michigan Works! through the Muskegon/Oceana Workforce Development Board and Muskegon County Board of Commissioners
• Family Independence Agency