ABOUT
Our Purpose & Our People
The Need
25%
OF CINCINNATI FAMILIES
ARE LIVING IN POVERTY
At more than double the national poverty rate, this is not acceptable. Experts agree that one of the main factors of this problem is limited access to private transportation.
Our Mission
To empower people who are working towards prosperity by providing affordable transportation solutions.
Our Vision
As we help each other, people will have the freedom to accomplish their dreams.
Our Team
We’ve gathered an inspiring group of humans who keep ChangingGears on track towards creating a brighter future.
Eric Dallas
Master Technician
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Although Eric’s role requires acute attention to detail, his life mantra is to “stop stressing about what you can’t control.” Eric is an ASE certified Master Technician, so you can rest assured that every car that drives off our lot is in tip-top shape. While he knows his way around a car engine, his favorite part about working at ChangingGears is interacting with clients. “Seeing them pay off their title is just awesome! And it’s even better when I get to see them driving around town.”
Viviane Hoklet
Program Director
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At ChangingGears, you will find Viviane being the bridge between our clients and our programs helping them find the best fit for them, whether it is buying a car or getting a repair for a car they already own. Outside of work, she loves to watch a good movie or listen to an inspiring book. Viviane’s favorite place to travel is Cote d’lvoire in West Africa because that is where she is from! The best advice Viviane has received is to be kind to people because you never know what a person is going through.
Melody Smiley
HR & Office Manager
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Melody is the HR expert at ChangingGears and also helps with Office Management. Her first car was a maroon 1990 Plymouth Acclaim whose air conditioner only worked when she wasn't accelerating. Outside of work, you will find Melody playing pickleball, thrifting and cheering on FC Cincinnati with her family. Melody’s favorite part about working at ChangingGears is the excitement she gets thinking about the lives and generational change that can come from helping people access transportation. Melody’s favorite piece of advice is from her Grandfather: “Comparison is the thief of joy.”
Marnie Bokelman
People and Events Coordinator
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You won’t find Marnie repairing any cars at ChangingGears as she once “fixed” the bumper of her Nissan Sentra with duct tape, but she loves people and parties so you will find her pouring into our staff and planning our awesome events. As a co-founder of ChangingGears, Marnie continues to be motivated by seeing our clients empowered when they pay off their car loans and knowing the trajectory changing impact of each car extends to the entire family of every client.
Angela Monnin
Development Coordinator
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Angela’s first car, a 1986 Mercury Lynx painted bright turquoise and affectionately called “The Green Machine,” was as vibrant as her personality. Her first job was working games at Kings Island, where she loved using the microphone to draw crowds. She now channels that energy into communicating with ChangingGears' donors and supporters. Angela is inspired daily by the mission and is often moved to tears by the stories of redemption and success from clients. Her favorite advice comes from Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Rob Woodly
Vehicle Director
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Rob has loved fixing cars since the engine blew out on his first vehicle, a 1989 Ford Tempo. Though his first job was washing dishes, Rob is now an ASE certified Master Technician who empowers people with kindness, prayer and advice on how to care for their vehicles. When he’s not working on cars or talking about cars, he enjoys the thrill of mountain biking and home renovation. Rob’s favorite part of working ChangingGears is the sense of community because it binds the employees and clients together.
Amanda Sinclair
Development Director
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Amanda’s favorite book is Dream Big by Bob Goff, and she does just that as our Development Director. By sharing the stories of our amazing clients and bringing in resources from generous donors, Amanda helps ChangingGears accomplish our mission and to keep dreaming even bigger. Amanda loves all things Norwood, and even started the Gem of the Highlands 5K to celebrate everything that makes Norwood a true gem! Amanda also loves spending time with her family and friends, especially in the beautiful mountains surrounding Grand Junction, Colorado.
Joel Bokelman
Executive Director
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Trying to “Be the change you want to see in the world,” Joel and his wife, Marnie, started ChangingGears to help clients experience the freedom of private transportation. When he’s not dreaming up where ChangingGears is headed next, you can find him hiking, reading, or spending time with his family. For Joel, the most rewarding part about ChangingGears is “being part of a team that’s being the hands and feet of God as we run after those in need.”
Eric Von Hertsenberg
Vehicle Coordinator
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Eric (aka Eric Jr. around here) is the one you’ll see towing donated vehicles to ChangingGears and supporting the team in countless ways. A true Jack-of-all-Trades, Eric’s first job was a legendary “Fry-Guy” at Five Guys, and a vehicle detailer at a Ford Dealership. Always one to help others, Eric brought his skills to ChangingGears, where he loves hearing life-changing stories from clients and working with volunteers. Though he enjoys pranking his teammate Eric Dallas, he finds the most joy in seeing how a car can transform someone’s life. Eric is a proud owner of a tuxedo cat (rescued) and his favorite “ten two letter words to live by” are: If it is to be, it is up to me.
Interested in joining our amazing team? Check out our current job opportunities here.
Our Impact
Annual Reports
Tax Returns
FAQ’s
Vehicle Donation
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Yes, there are no costs to you. We will come pick up your vehicle wherever you are located. If your vehicle is not running, we will pay to have it towed to our garage.
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Yes, regardless of the condition of your vehicle, we are able to use it to either meet a transportation need or generate operating funds.
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Yes, our certified technicians are up to the challenge, even if it includes replacing the engine, transmission or other major components.
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Yes, if it’s at all possible, we’ll turn your vehicle into an affordable transportation solution for one of our clients, but if your vehicle requires unreasonable repairs to make it safe and reliable, then we’ll salvage the vehicle and put the proceeds back into ChangingGears®.
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Yes, if your vehicle is to expensive for one of our clients to purchase or maintain, we will sell the vehicle to the public and put the money back into ChangingGears®.
Tax Deduction
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Yes, ChangingGears® is recognized by the IRS as a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Click here for an IRS publication that may answer more questions.
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The maximum amount you will be able to deduct is the fair market value (FMV) of your vehicle on the day you donate it. The actual amount of your deduction will be limited to the FMV on the day you donate your vehicle or the final sale price, which ever is less.
The final sale price of your vehicle will be included in the forms we’ll send to you after selling your vehicle. ChangingGears® will sell the vehicle at the FMV of the vehicle after all repairs are completed. Typically the FMV of the vehicle will increase after all repairs are completed.
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The most common way is to look at websites like Kelly Blue Book, or Edmunds. On these sites the FMV is considered to be the private party transaction value, not the suggester dealer retail.
Ultimately, it’s up to you and your tax advisor to determine the amount you can deduct for your donation, but ChangingGears® will include KBB and Edmunds reports for your vehicle when we send your tax documents to help you make that determination. If your vehicle value is greater than $5,000, a certified appraisal is required. ChangingGears® will have the appraisal performed and include the report when we send you all the tax documents.
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We will send you the official acknowledgement form within 30 days of when we sell your vehicle. This will usually be 6-12 weeks after we have received your donated vehicle.
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To claim a tax deduction greater than $500, we must list your social security number on the form (1098-C) we provide to you and to the IRS All of your personal information will be kept confidential. You can still donate your vehicle if you don’t want to provide your SSN, but your deduction will be limited to $500.
Volunteering
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Unfortunately, ChangingGears® does not have a volunteer program at this time. Please consider volunteering at our partner organization, CityLink Center.
ChangingGears
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The key difference is how the donated vehicles are used. The majority of vehicle donation programs sell the donated vehicles at auction and use the net proceeds to fund other programs they operate. ChangingGears® will use donated vehicles to meet local transportation needs and proceeds from all vehicle sales will be put back into ChangingGears® to help meet more transportation needs.
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To be eligible to purchase a vehicle from ChangingGears®, our clients must be an active CityLink client, attend vehicle ownership and maintenance workshops (offered for free by ChangingGears® to CityLink clients), and have both a valid drivers license and proof of insurance at the time of purchase. Click here to learn more about CityLink.
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First would be to join our volunteer team, but if that doesn’t fit your schedule, we always greatly accept financial donations to fuel our work, or in-kind contributions (i.e. tools, equipment, supplies, etc.) that help offset our expenses. It’s also a huge help if you just tell your friends, family and anyone else about ChangingGears®.