Governor Hogan Witnesses Agreement Between VFC and the MTA

On Tuesday, December 13, 2016, Vehicles for Change (VFC) and the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) signed a landmark partnership agreement, which will enable ex-offenders interning at VFC’s auto repair shop, Full Circle Service Center, to qualify to be hired to work on MTA’s fleet of buses. Governor Larry Hogan was a witness to the signing of this memorandum of understanding and spoke about the importance of putting Maryland back to work, saying, “The MTA has a real need for a pipeline of qualified mechanics to ensure that our buses are safe for our citizens.“

Among the other attendees at the MOU signing was Baltimore City Mayor, Catherine Pugh, DLLR Secretary, Kelly Schulz, MTA Administrator and CEO, Paul Comfort and former Full Circle Service Center intern, Tarkese McDonald, who received a standing ovation when talking about his experience interning at Full Circle after being released from prison.  McDonald, the father of three girls, was a quick learner and an impressive student. He was quickly recruited by Eyre Bus, Tour and Travel during an employee visit to Full Circle.

All interns receive hands-on experience as well as ASE training and certifications. Upon leaving, they are placed in jobs at various automotive dealerships, national chains and independent shops. Now that the MTA has signed on as an employer, interns will be offered jobs as diesel mechanics with salaries starting at $17 per hour with benefits.

In his comments, Governor Hogan stated: “This partnership will offer individuals who have paid their debt to society a second chance to live productive lives. It will help restore families and communities and it is yet another example that Maryland is indeed open for business.”

 Your Tax Donation

Your Donation Makes a Difference…and Benefits You, Too!
 
When you donate a car to Vehicles for Change, you are making a huge difference in the lives of the low-income families we serve. And that contribution benefits you, too. Here is how your tax deduction is determined by the disposition of your donated vehicle:
 
Cars Awarded to Families
We especially love to see your donated car go to a family in need! When a donated car is less than 15 years old, has less than 150,000 original miles, and is deemed to be mechanically sound, it is added to inventory for our car award program. With this case, the donor can deduct the “fair market value” of their vehicle.
 
Luxury Cars Sold on Freedom Wheels Lot
Vehicles for Change accepts luxury car donations, but does not provide them to low-income families through our award program, as repairing and maintaining luxury cars is expensive and would be a cost burden on families unable to afford routine car care.
Luxury car donations are sold to the public through VFC’s used car lot, Freedom Wheels, and the proceeds fund our car award program. With this case, the donor can deduct the sale price of the car less any costs of repairs.
 
Cars Sold at Auction
Not every vehicle is cost effective to repair. If an auto donation does not meet our safety or reliability standards, then the car is selected for sale at auction. VFC partners with multiple auctioneers, and works to secure the maximum bid out of the car’s remaining value. All proceeds go back to the organization and are used for fixing reliable cars for low-income families. With this case, the donor can deduct the sale price of the car, at an IRS-mandated minimum of $500.

Freedom Wheels
Freedom Wheels is a subsidiary of Vehicles For Change (VFC), that sells non-profit used cars to the public.  All sale proceeds from Freedom Wheels are used to support VFC.
Check out Freedom Wheels 2003 Honda Element in orange for only $5,500. It is state inspected, smoke free, auto check assured, with no accident history! Call 410-242-9678 for more information or to arrange a test drive. 
Spotlight Recipient

Tia Heath takes three buses every morning to get to her job at Amazon in Dundalk. She is a mother to five children. Her eight-year-old son has ADHD and mood disorder, so he has to see a therapist multiple times a month. It is difficult taking him to his appointments without reliable transportation. Her other son has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair, which makes taking the bus an ordeal.

Tia is excited to be able to take her children places with her car. She plans to take them to Chuck E Cheese and the movies. She is also going to put her son with ADHD into a sport to better manage his condition. Tia and her children will decorate the car together.