2024 Impact Report
SHIFTING INTO HIGH GEAR
team reflections
In 2024, Auto Repair Transformation shifted into high gear, expanding our programs to serve more individuals than ever before. We also hired a full time Director of Programs, Dee Jackson. Dee has been a turbo booster for ART’s programming. We are honored to have her on our team! From life-changing vehicle repairs to our growing apprenticeship program and empowering community workshops, we are filling a critical gap in the fight for economic equality. A safe, working vehicle means access to employment, healthcare, and opportunity, and for the increasing number of our clients living in their cars, it’s a lifeline. In addition to fixing cars we are also as dedicated as ever to fixing this industry and to continue to disrupt systemic biases that plague the automotive industry. Despite our exponential growth, the need still far surpasses our capacity. This year, we were honored to work alongside dedicated organizations and community partners who share our vision of a more equitable future and who have financially supported our work. With your continued support, we will keep advocating, educating, and repairing, because no one should be left stranded on the road to opportunity.
As I reflect on this past year, I’m proud to be a part of creating a program that provides auto repairs to members of the BIPOC community, particularly those who’ve faced significant barriers such as domestic violence and those unhoused. Being a BIPOC, queer woman, I deeply understand the challenges many in these communities face, and it’s been meaningful to support people who are often overlooked. By offering affordable, accessible auto repairs, we’ve helped individuals regain independence and stability, opening doors for employment, safety, and mobility. The opportunity to serve resilient individuals has not only been an act of service but also a reminder of the strength and perseverance that exists within these communities. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute and look forward to continuing this important work in the years ahead.
Eli AlLison Founder + Executive Director
dee jackson
they/them
she/her
Director of Programs
lights out on racism About the Program: This program is a proactive initiative that increases safety on our roads and prevents unnecessary traffic stops by providing education, safety inspections, and free safety repairs for minor vehicle issues that often lead to discriminatory policing. In 2024, thanks to advocacy from the ACLU and a grant from WADOT, we expanded the program to cover all non-moving violation safety equipment repairs and partnered with the Seattle and Kirkland Police Departments to distribute repair vouchers instead of citations. By reducing financial barriers, increasing road safety, and setting a precedent for systemic change, we are proud to lead efforts in Washington to end discriminatory traffic enforcement.
2024 IMPACT
177 safety inspections performed
700 CLIENT EDUCATION HOURS
to empower community around vehicle safety, maintenance, and repairs
274 bulbs replaced
177 Custom education emails sent with digital inspection reports so clients learn about their vehicle
$21,178.36 in repairs covered via lights out on racism
As a Black trans woman, navigating bureaucratic processes like updating my registration can sometimes feel daunting, but their support made it a smooth and stress-free experience . It meant so much to be in a space where I didn’t have to worry about being judged or disrespected—where the staff, made up of trans people and allies, created an environment of genuine support and kindness . Knowing that my safety and well-being mattered to them gave me so much peace of mind. I can’t recommend Auto Repair Transformation enough for their reliable, thoughtful, and affirming service . - Client
LOW INCOME REPAIR About the Program: Reliable transportation is essential for maintaining employment, accessing healthcare, and daily necessities, especially for low-income individuals who often live far from work and essential services. Our Low Income Repair Program prioritizes BIPOC, women, 2SLGBTQIA+, and unhoused community members by providing automotive repairs, education, and advocacy. In 2024, we saw a dramatic increase in clients living in their vehicles, further underscoring the urgent need for this program, despite ongoing funding challenges. We are hopeful that our advocacy efforts in 2025 will help expand this program by emphasizing reliable transportation as a crucial factor in breaking down economic barriers.
2024 Impact
$13,ooo in repairs covered BY the low income repair program
Labor hours donated for repairs
207
(*Includes Low Income Repair and Lights Out on Racism)
Since they fixed my headlights and tail light, I can drive safely and no longer worry about being pulled over. But this repair is more than just safety. My broken tail light was a painful reminder of an abusive relationship. Even though I had escaped, the damage remained—on my car and in my mind. When I picked up my car and saw the new tail light, that awful reminder was gone. I never imagined how healing this simple repair would be. Auto Repair Transformation didn’t just fix my car—they helped me reclaim a piece of myself. Thank you for not only keeping me safe on the road but for giving me an unexpected gift of healing.
2024 clients:
15% disclosed they were
impacted by domestic violence
30% live in their
vehicles
37% are caregivers
39% justice
system impacted
72% make less than 25k
Men 14%
White 20.5%
Latinx 22%
More than one Race 11%
Women 55%
Trans/Nonbinary 31%
Black or African American 35.4%
Native/Alaska Native 11%
Apprenticeships About the Program: Auto Repair Transformation is addressing the urgent technician shortage in the auto repair industry by expanding access to apprenticeship training for women, BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, and low-income communities. Our program creates a paid debt-free pathway to a stable, well- compensated career while also working with industry partners to foster welcoming shop environments that retain diverse talent. By disrupting the toxic culture that has excluded marginalized groups for too long, we aim to strengthen the workforce, diversify the industry, and ensure its long-term sustainability. 2024 IMPACT In 2024, A.R.T. laid the groundwork to become a Registered Apprenticeship Program for auto technicians. We expanded our curriculum, trained multiple apprentices, added a Program Director with experience in building trades apprenticeship programs, and welcomed another Technician Mentor with teaching experience to increase capacity. A strategic plan was developed to create a pre-apprenticeship pathway to serve formerly incarcerated individuals, foster youth, and parenting youth . Graduates advanced into leadership roles, and our DEIAB training for partner shops was created to ensure more inclusive workplaces, proving that equity strengthens both businesses and the workforce.
technician mentor trained ONE
Four apprentices trained
ONE
second
apprentice completed 2-year track and is moving on to 4-year master tech track
tech mentor added w/ 35 years industry +instructor experience
workshops About the Program: Auto Repair Transformation community workshops make car repair knowledge more accessible for BIPOC, women, 2SLGBTQIA+, and low-income people. We host a variety of workshops for community members who want to learn more about car maintenance and repair. Our automotive technician teachers empower drivers by demystifying the machines we rely on daily. Workshop topics range from introductory car care workshops to more advanced vehicle systems theory and repairs. All workshops provide a hands-on learning opportunity to support up to 12 participants.
IMPACT
2024
All Time
Workshops Hosted
11
64
Workshop Attendees
80
431
I freaking loved your fluids workshop last week…and I’m looking to learn how to do more of the maintenance and mods myself.
I loved being in your class! You made everything feel approachable and engaging. I even took my newfound knowledge and used a plug repair kit on a leak we had - definitely wouldn’t have even attempted it before! I LOVED your reminder to take a deep breath. Because isn’t that what gets all of us through this thing called life. It doesn’t always go as planned but when we take a breath, and dig deep, we’re all pretty much capable of anything!
Support our work
Visit autorepairtransformation.org or scan the QR code to give.
Your support will fuel community aid and drive positive change. Here are just a few examples of what your gift can do in your community: $50-100 provides parts and labor to replace exterior lights for one community member through Lights Out on Racism. $200 provides diagnostic labor for one community member accessing emergency safety repairs through financial assistance. $500 provides instructor time and shop supplies for 12+ community members to receive car maintenance and repair training in a community workshop. $1,000 provides the average level of financial assistance needed to ensure that one community member needing emergency repairs can safely use their car for transportation and/or shelter.
Increase your impact
Want to make an even bigger difference? You can:
Become a monthly donor - aka an A.R.T. Accelerator - and sustain our work all year long! Leverage matching donations from your employer. Connect us to sponsorship and grant funding opportunities. Boost our campaign – join our mailing list and follow us on social media to share our emails and posts with your friends. Reach out to development@autorepairtransformation.org if you need assistance with your employer matching process or to discuss collaborative partnerships, corporate sponsorship, or grants.
Auto Repair Transformation is a federal 501c3 non-profit organization registered under Tax ID Number 92-0890374.
THANK YOU!
Connect: Auto Repair Transformation
2425 6th Ave South, Seattle, WA 98134
Email: info@autorepairtransformation.org @AutoRepairTransformation
Auto Repair Transformation is a federal 501c3 non-profit organization registered under Tax ID Number 92-0890374.
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