We Turn Transportation Into Opportunity
Vehicles for Change is a nonprofit dedicated to expanding economic mobility by providing reliable transportation and career pathways. We serve individuals and families facing barriers to employment, creating access to opportunity through vehicles and workforce training.
How We Started
In 1999, Vehicles for Change was founded on a simple but powerful idea. Access to a reliable car can transform a person’s life.
For many families, a lack of transportation is one of the biggest barriers to employment and long term financial stability. Without a car, getting to work, taking children to school, or accessing essential services becomes a daily challenge. Public transportation often is not enough, especially for those working multiple jobs, nontraditional hours, or living outside major transit routes.
Vehicles for Change exists to remove that barrier.
Since our founding, we have worked to provide affordable, reliable vehicles to individuals and families in need, helping them get to work, stay employed, and build a more stable future. Our impact goes beyond transportation. We also invest in people by providing workforce development opportunities, training individuals for careers in the automotive industry and creating pathways to long term success.
Through partnerships with donors, community organizations, and supporters, we turn donated vehicles into life changing opportunities. Every car we award represents more than transportation. It represents independence, dignity, and the ability to move forward.
At Vehicles for Change, we believe that when people have the tools they need to succeed, entire communities grow stronger.
Mission and Vision
Vehicles for Change is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve economic and personal independence through reliable transportation and workforce development. Its mission is to empower people facing financial challenges by providing access to vehicle ownership and automotive training opportunities.
We envision a future where transportation is no longer a barrier to employment and individuals have access to the tools, skills, and support needed to build long-term independence.
The people driving change
Our leadership team brings decades of nonprofit experience, automotive industry expertise, and deep commitment to economic justice.
ldipaola@vehiclesforchange.org
cbowlah@vehiclesforchange.org
snachman@vehiclesforchange.org
wdempsey@vehiclesforchange.org
lconnolly@vehiclesforchange.org
Board of Directors
Our board brings automotive industry expertise, nonprofit governance experience, and unwavering commitment to our mission.
Former NADA Exec VP Of legal, regulatory affairs and General Counsel
Managing Director, Associate General Counsel, Goldman Sachs
Executive Director Of Account Management, Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States
CEO AccessPoint
(Secretary) Headwall Inc.
Virtual Command Centers
(Governor Committee Chairman) Retired, Former VP Global Compensation, Benefits, and Mobility TE Connectivity
Senior VP, Dealership Operations
National Automobile Dealers Association
(Finance Committee Chair)
President, Phoenix Lifestyle Marketing Group
President, TRowe Price Foundation & Head of Community Affairs
Senior Vice President, Strategy, Community & Business Development, University of Maryland Medical Center
Executive Director American Correctional Association
President & CEO,
Vehicles for Change
President, CC&A Strategic Media
Former Director, Office of Family Assistance | U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Director, Office of Professional Development I American Correctional Association
VP & Business Banking Relationship Manager, WesBanco Inc.
CPP, PSP Principal | KG Strategic Consultants, LLC
CEO B.Luxe Events & Rentals
Vice President, Non-Manufacturing Facility Operations, General Motors
Impact Over Time
Since our founding, we've tracked every vehicle awarded, every person trained, and every family whose life changed. These milestones tell the story of what's possible when communities invest in transportation and opportunity.
Since 1999
8,200+
Cars awarded
28,000+
Lives improved
Vehicles for Change Families
Many recipients report higher paying jobs and better opportunities for career advancement with reliable transportation.
Vehicles for Change Families
90 Minutes
After receiving a vehicle, recipients report saving an average of 90 minutes on their daily commute.
