My back story isn’t your typical childhood. I didn’t grow up in a well-supported family with open doors to accomplish my dreams—in fact, it was quite the opposite. My mother was diagnosed with cancer when I was very young and passed away from a brain hemorrhage when I was just three years old, leaving behind four kids, including me. At the time, my father was serving time in state prison, so my siblings and I entered the foster care system and were eventually split up. Those early years were filled with uncertainty as we bounced between foster care and family members. Eventually, my younger sister and I landed with our fraternal grandparents, who did their best despite their own health problems. Later, we moved in with our maternal grandmother, reuniting with our older sister but finding ourselves in the middle of a custody battle. Our brother found permanent housing with his fraternal grandmother. At just 11 years old, I struggled to express myself, always wanting to make my grandparents happy, even if it meant sacrificing my own happiness. I acted out in school, using humor as an outlet for the pain I was carrying inside. I didn’t realize how my actions would affect my future, and I ended up back in the system, moving through foster care and group homes until I turned 18.

From 18 onward, life continued to be a struggle. I became used to people coming and going, and even now, at 31, I still face challenges. But I refuse to let that slow me down. My experiences have given me a deep understanding of what it’s like for kids and adults from troubled backgrounds, and that’s where my desire to help comes from. I’m working to develop an auto shop and trade school that will support teens, young adults, and all members of the community. Not only will we provide education and hands-on training in a valuable trade, but we’ll also offer affordable car repairs, making our streets safer and our community stronger. The funds raised will go toward creating a workspace and classroom, hiring an educator, purchasing learning equipment, and providing materials like binders, trade books, and curriculum. We’ll also be able to offer graduates immediate job opportunities, helping them start their careers on the right foot. I’ve always believed that those who work hard for what they want can accomplish their goals, but not everyone has that first stepping stone. By becoming a donor, you’re helping to pave the road for this and future generations, giving people from all backgrounds a chance to build a better future. Your support means everything. Every day, talented young adults and teenagers come from difficult home environments—struggling to find direction, opportunity, and hope for their future. Many of these young people have untapped potential; they simply need guidance, hands-on experience, and a chance to build skills that lead to real opportunity.

Wheels of Change NYC was founded to do just that.

Our mission is to empower youth through automotive education, offering a structured training program that teaches them how to repair and maintain vehicles. This trade not only provides technical expertise but also the confidence and work ethic needed for long-term success. Students who graduate from our program leave with skills that are in demand, opening doors to careers in automotive repair, manufacturing, and related technical fields.

But our impact doesn’t stop with the students themselves. By training a new generation of skilled technicians, we also make our community safer—offering affordable, trustworthy automotive services so families can stay mobile, safe, and financially stable.

What We Need & Why Your Support Matters

We are currently raising funds to launch our first full year of programming. Below is a breakdown of rough estimates for key components of a successful automotive training center:Item Estimated Cost

Curriculum & training materials $10,000

Lead Automotive Instructor (1 FTE, annual) $55,000

Part-time Assistant Instructor $25,000

Student uniforms & safety gear $5,000

Tools for students & shop (sets) $30,000

Vehicle lifts (2 units) $20,000

Training vehicles (5 used cars) $15,000

Workspace rental (garage/classroom) $60,000

Insurance & utilities $15,000

Misc. (office supplies, marketing, admin) $10,000

Total Annual Budget ~$245,000

These estimates are based on typical industry pricing for education programs and commercial space rentals in the NYC metro area.

Your Contribution Makes Real Impact

Every dollar you give helps us:

✨ Equip a student with the tools they need

✨ Pay instructors who provide personalized mentorship

✨ Maintain a safe, professional workspace

✨ Keep services affordable for community members

✨ Create career pathways for young individuals

Sample Ways to Give:

• $50 → Safety gear for 1 student

• $250 → Tool set for student training

• $1,000 → One week of expert instruction

• $10,000+ → Sponsorship of curriculum development or equipment

Join Us in Driving Change

We can’t do this alone. Your support—whether through a donation, partnership, or in-kind contribution—makes it possible for young people to find purpose, build skills, and contribute to a stronger, safer community.

Will you stand with us?

Thank you for your generosity and belief in the potential to deliver an impact to our community making the streets safer.