🔑 Keys to Freedom

At the Vehicles for Change Panel at the NADA Show this year, things got real.

Hosted by Jared Allen, VP of Communications at NADA, the conversation dove into how something as seemingly simple as a car can completely flip the script for families struggling to make ends meet.

The panel featured Marty Schwartz, the brain (and heart) behind Vehicles for Change, and Adrianna Boyer, who shared how getting a car through the program wasn’t just life-changing—it was life-saving.

What’s the Big Deal About a Car?

Marty Schwartz kicked off the conversation with a bold statement: “If you really think about it, you can’t get a job, you can’t get to and from employment, you can’t get your kids to football practice or after-school activities without a car. It’s just the way our society is created.”

For 25 years, Vehicles for Change has tackled this challenge head-on by taking donated cars, repairing them, and working with partner agencies to identify families who need them most.

“We’ve awarded more than 8,000 cars to families since 1999,” Marty shared. “And in 2016, we launched what we call the Full Circle Auto Repair and Training Center, where we train individuals with multiple barriers to employment, many with a criminal background, to be auto mechanics.”

But Marty wasn’t done innovating. He proudly explained their latest venture: “We’ve developed our virtual reality auto mechanic training, so now we can expand the number of technicians that we’re training across the country using virtual reality.”

Dealers Driving Change

Jared Allen shifted the discussion to how NADA has partnered with Vehicles for Change to amplify its impact. “We’ve grown that relationship, and the role that NADA has taken on is helping match Marty’s organization with local auto dealers,” Jared said.

He highlighted the collaboration’s success in Washington, D.C., where local dealers donated vehicles to reduce reliance on personal donations. “In March of last year, NADA hosted an event at our headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, where we invited Vehicles for Change and four recipients of awarded vehicles donated by NADA dealer members.”

One of those recipients was Adrianna Boyer, who joined the panel to share her journey.

Adrianna’s Story: From Stuck to Soaring

Before receiving her Kia Rio (donated by Carter Myers Automotive Group), Adrianna faced constant struggles. “I didn’t have a car for almost two years,” she explained. “Going to the grocery store was a hassle. I had to pay for memberships to grocery apps to get deliveries, or I’d take Ubers, and that was hectic because I’d have to bring my daughter in her car seat.”

Emergencies were especially tough. “My son got hurt at school once, and they had to call an ambulance because I didn’t have a car to get to him. The principal had to ride with him,” she said, her voice filled with emotion.

Adrianna’s life changed in March when she received a car from Vehicles for Change.

“Now I don’t need to borrow a car or spend hundreds on Ubers. We can just get up and go. My son finally got to sign up for football, and he scored two touchdowns in his first game. It’s made a big, big impact for us,” she said. “A car is mobility. A car is freedom. And most important, a car is a blessing.”

More Than a Giveaway

Marty emphasized that the program isn’t just about handing over a car—it’s about building a foundation for the future. “We actually sell the car—we don’t give it away—for $950. Adrianna got her car for $950, but Vehicles for Change guaranteed a loan for her so that she could establish credit while paying for her car,” Marty explained.

“We also provide them with a six-month, 6,000-mile warranty,” he added. “We wanted families to have a vested financial interest and learn to manage their money while building credit. Credit is as big as the car itself in helping people move forward.”

Adrianna agreed. “It makes me appreciate everything more,” she said. “I’ve learned to budget, save for car repairs, and take care of my car. It’s been a big deal.”

Breaking Generational Cycles

For Marty, the impact of this program goes far beyond transportation. “Without a car, you’re stuck in poverty for generations,” he said. “But with a car, you can drive yourself out of poverty. Kids can go to sports, museums, cultural events—they get opportunities they’d never have otherwise.”

He pointed to Adrianna’s story as a perfect example. “She’s able to take her son to football practice. As a coach for 40 years, I’ve seen how sports teach kids teamwork, discipline, and sacrifice—lessons they carry through life.”

The Call to Action

As the panel wrapped up, Marty made a direct appeal to dealers. “The need for transportation and people living in poverty is all over this country. We’d love to work with you to put this program in your neighborhood.”

Jared echoed his sentiment. “Dealers are already champions in their communities. Programs like Vehicles for Change let us amplify that impact and help more families like Adrianna’s.”

Want to Make a Difference?

Visit Vehicles for Change to learn how you can help bring mobility—and opportunity—to families in your community!