 Spring is finally here! And so is pot-hole season. How many of you have suffered the indignity of a flat tire, bent rim or even a cut fuel line due to a bad pot hole? Sadly I can say that I have had all three of those scenarios occur during one pot hole season or another. Fortunately, I had the money and the means to fix the problems. Not everyone is that lucky.
Our April Mission focus is The Lift Garage. Located at 2401 East Lake Street in Minneapolis, The Lift Garage was founded by Cathy Heying, a social worker who saw through her work and life experience how important car repair was for people who were underserved. Clients told her repeatedly, “I can’t afford to get my car fixed, and I am going to lose my job.” Without the ability to pay rent, they could easily find themselves living on the streets. The stories were different, but everything depended on car repair. She felt somebody should do something about it, so she returned to school and in 2010 she received her two-year associate degree in auto technology at Dunwoody College of Technology. In April 2013, with one rented bay, The Lift Garage opened in Minneapolis, a nonprofit car repair shop that offers low-cost automobile repairs and advice to those in need ($26K or less for household of 2). Initially staffed by volunteers, The Lift Garage now employs 12 people, including 6 full time techs; five on-site mechanics who operate the five bays in a garage the nonprofit purchased in 2020, and 1 mobile van triage. They service or evaluate 130 cars a month. Appointments are scheduled a month in advance, and there is always a waiting list. They provide more than tune ups and oil changes, they provide resources and emotional support for people who are in crisis, because most people who walk through the door are in some level of crisis. They work to resolve issues in ways that honor their customers lives, experiences and intelligence with dignity and grace. For our April Mission, we will be providing Car Care Kits for The Lift Garage. A poster of items needed will be set up in the Narthex for those who are interested in supporting The Lift Garage. You can read more about The Lift Garage at: www.theliftgargage.org Blessings, Bev Brosam Missions Committee
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