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The First Car Project: Helping Foster Kids with 4 Cars in Year 1

Dec 16, 2024 at 2:39 PM

Alex White, a Crestwood attorney, shares the remarkable achievements of The First Car Project. This nonprofit has exceeded its first-year goal of donating one vehicle to an aging foster care youth and has actually donated four vehicles so far. The project, started a year ago, aims to provide a dependable vehicle to those aging out of the state's foster care system or up to 23 years old. With a well-established network of area mechanics and professionals, they ensure the cars are in good condition and ready to go for at least five years. Interested participants can apply at thefirstcarproject.com where all eligibility requirements are listed. The group works closely with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to select eligible recipients. Two cars were awarded during a car show in June and two more in the fall. Initially, they planned to give only one car, but they couldn't choose just one, so they got a car ready in three weeks before the "key ceremony". With a team of only four people - Alex White, Eric Benson, Ashley Borden, and Margy Stevens - they have fine-tuned the process. Stevens was inspired to do more after giving her older vehicle to a foster care youth. She contacted Benson, who created a popular car club in Louisville and his wife Borden joined in. Combining their resources and networks, they formed a limited liability corporation and quickly raised $20,000 for the project. The project was approved for its 501(c)3 nonprofit status earlier this year. This is truly a heartwarming story of how a small group can make a big difference in the lives of foster care youth.

Transforming Lives with The First Car Project

How The First Car Project Came to Be

The First Car Project started with a simple yet powerful vision - to provide a reliable vehicle to those in need. Alex White, a Crestwood attorney, saw the potential in this idea and took the lead. With the help of Eric Benson and his wife Ashley Borden, as well as Margy Stevens, they began to turn their dream into a reality. The project was born out of a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of foster care youth who are aging out of the system. It was a grassroots effort that quickly gained momentum as they established connections with area mechanics and other professionals.

Stevens' act of giving her older vehicle to a family friend aging out of foster care served as a catalyst for the project. She knew there was a need for more support and decided to take action. Together, they formed a limited liability corporation and raised $20,000 to get the project off the ground. The approval of their 501(c)3 nonprofit status earlier this year gave them the legal and financial stability to continue their work.

The Impact of The First Car Project

The impact of The First Car Project has been truly remarkable. By providing a dependable vehicle, they are giving foster care youth the freedom and independence they need to start their lives on a positive note. These cars will not only help them get to work or school but also provide a sense of stability and belonging. As Alex White said, "The project has been more successful than we ever dreamed."

The process of selecting recipients is carefully managed by the group in collaboration with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. They narrow down the list of applicants and select a few based on various criteria. This ensures that the vehicles are going to those who truly need them and will make the most of the opportunity. The car shows in June and fall were a great success, with two cars awarded each time. And when they couldn't choose just one recipient, they worked hard to get a car ready in three weeks before the "key ceremony".

The Team Behind The First Car Project

The success of The First Car Project is due in large part to the dedicated team behind it. Alex White, with his legal expertise, has been instrumental in guiding the project. Eric Benson and Ashley Borden, with their connections in the car club community, have brought valuable resources and support. Margy Stevens, with her heart and determination, has been a driving force in making this project a reality.

Working together as a team, they have fine-tuned the process and established a strong network. With only four people as part of the nonprofit, they have achieved great things. Their combined efforts have not only provided vehicles but also hope and a sense of community to foster care youth. This is a true example of the power of collaboration and the impact that one small group can have.