CLIENT STORIES
ChangingGears Means Changing Lives
There’s nothing we love more than hearing from clients who have experienced the life-changing catalyst of earned car ownership. We thought you’d like to hear what people are saying about ChangingGears™, too.
Keep Moving Forward
"Keep moving forward" is Jamie's mantra when she encounters challenges in life. At the beginning of 2022, Jamie was working a factory job she didn't like and borrowing her dad's car to get there. While the job was stable, it offered few opportunities for career advancement.
Meet “Perseverance”
Frank showed up for his Findlay Culinary Training graduation soaked from head to toe. After riding the bus for an hour to get downtown, he rushed to the Red Bike station just as it started to rain. He threw a poncho over his chef clothes, but the thin plastic couldn’t keep him dry in the downpour. He arrived minutes before the graduation started, and was able to borrow some dry clothes from CityLink Center to attend
Stay Humble and Don’t Give Up
When she walked through the doors of CityLink Center, Rachel was searching for a career path and transportation. She lived with her mom, seven children, and fiance who had a terminal health diagnosis. Her hands were full, but she knew something needed to change.
Opportunities are Endless with Training Program
When Abdoulaye applied for the ChangingGears Automotive Technician Training Program, he had no idea the new career would lead to a 33% pay increase and immeasurable impact to his personal life.
"I am a living example of their mission"
“I am a living example of their mission to empower people who are working toward prosperity,” Guy shared with the audience at ChangingGears Grand Opening in April 2022. Guy, who received a car from ChangingGears five years ago, came back to inspire others with his story.
Grand Opening: Celebrating How God Showed Up
“God doesn’t just give things to us, he uses people to help,” Marnie Bokelman shared with the audience at the ChangingGears Grand Opening on April 7, 2022. “We are so grateful to all of our clients, volunteers, staff members, donors and business partners for sacrificing their time, sharing their resources, and donating money and vehicles to help fuel ChangingGears.”
ChangingGears Auto Technician Training Program Launches Careers
“The ChangingGears Automotive Technician Training was really impactful for me in starting my career,” Aaron shared. “Getting to do so much hands-on learning is great, because that’s how I prefer to learn.
"You might be fixing cars but you allowed me to move forward with my life"
When Jordan’s car broke down in December 2021, she was devastated. She had it assessed at a traditional car shop but didn’t have $900 on hand to fix the clutch.
Car Enables a Woman to Live Life with No Limits
“There are always going to be barriers. You’ll always get discouraged because it’s human of us to be discouraged. But don’t give up,” Rebecca says as she tells her story.
New Car Changes Woman’s Life
“I was at the lowest point in my life when I came to ChangingGears; it saved me.” Cathi tears up as she recalls the difficult years she experienced following the loss of her job.
Car is Catalyst to Better Job
Fifteen hours. That’s the amount of additional free time Gerald now has each week because, “I got the car I wanted,” he says with a huge smile on his face.
New Vehicle is “An Opportunity and A Blessing”
Two years ago Guy and his wife were working, raising their family, and driving two cars. He was 20 years into a career in private policing and working on a master’s degree when he lost his job and couldn’t find another.
“It may seem like just a car, but it can be a game-changer”
Je’Miah was raising her younger sister in 2013 when she lost her job and her home. However, she didn’t lose hope or her determination to get herself on the path to a better future. She moved in with her brother and took two jobs, working half days at a call center and nights...
From Refugee to Young Professional, Car Brings Man Mobility
“My family spent 17 years in a refugee camp in Nepal before we arrived in Chicago when I was 18.” That’s how Narayan, who was born in Bhutan, explains his childhood. For the next five years the family lived with relatives, worked and relied on Chicago’s public transit system.