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Automotive Mentoring Group (AMG)

The Automotive Mentoring Group (A.M.G.) is a non- for profit 501©3 as recognized by the state of Illinois, since 2012. AMG supports youth and adults develop work and life skills as they restore classic cars. We have helped many young men and women turn their lives around since it opened in 2007. Our program aids in supporting the participants in earning their high school diplomas, enroll in colleges, and obtain jobs and apprenticeships in the automotive industry. AMG teaches automotive repair, including comprehensive bodywork and restoration, as well as light mechanical repair in our three to six-month programming.

 From the beginning of entering the program, participants go through the process of being vetted for interests, automotive experience, and educational goals. We have partnerships and relationships with alternative schools, GED programs, and technical/trade automotive schools to ensure they are receiving the support and skills necessary to reach their personal and professional goals. Throughout their time in the program, they narrow into a few selected specialties and then paired with one of our 24 hiring partners. These pairings also take place with our mentors, who walk side-by-side guiding them throughout the process and incorporate the life skills and social and emotional learning (SEL). We take the extra time to ensure that all our participants leave the program in a better position and as empowered individuals than when they started with up. 

We meet our participants where they are and work towards what they need and want in their lives through consistent and genuine mentorship and exposure to resources and opportunities. Our mentors range from school teachers to police officers and firefighters to experienced clinicians, and we provide the training in auto-mechanical and body-work. The participants learn how to deconstruct and rebuild a car from the outer body frame, to the engine. They are also taught the basics of custom car design, sewing upholstery, installing canvas tops and carpeting, as well as painting. As our participants learn to deconstruct a car, they are taught to deconstruct and evaluate their lives and rebuild them with positive influences and new choices that come with new-found opportunities. We additionally focus on life skills, social and emotional awareness and development, and core values such as respect, integrity, and emotional intelligence. We create safe spaces for our participants to come and share their life’s challenges and to get away from their regular day experiences. One participant at a time can change an entire community.

Organizer

Daniel Heiniger
Organizer
Chicago, IL
Automotive Mentoring Group Inc
 
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.

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