Volunteer Provides Transportation Education
Howdy became one of our volunteer car coaches after his church, Forum Christian Church, began partnering with Love Columbia. We got the opportunity to talk more with Howdy about his volunteer role here, and we are thrilled to get to share about his volunteer work with us! We believe everyone can use their talents and skillsets to enrich our community.
Here is Howdy’s story!
Has working with cars always been something you've been interested in?
Yes, I got my first car (a broken down 1960 Falcon) for only $1. I was 15 and did not have a license. I had to rebuild the transmission from manuals, but it worked, and I was hooked. I went to a technical school, studied diesel/car mechanics, as well as studied welding. Rebuilding engines, transmissions carburetors, and injectors seemed natural to me.
How did you learn about the gap in people's understanding of how to keep up with their cars, buy cars, etc.
My career passion was in diesel engineering. That's how I ended up in Columbia, MO. I got a part-time job at UPS while in school, thinking I had my foot in the door with a great company and that I would be able to climb up into the engineering with UPS. Well, God had a different plan. A driving position came open, and I took it thinking I would finish my degree at night. I was so fortunate having car skills. It saved our family so much money and headaches. Helping my family and friends navigate repairs and diagnosing car problems was a blessing. Getting more involved at Forum was just another outlet for me to help with their church vehicles.
What prompted you to start helping with the need for car coaching?
Getting involved with Forum's Benevolence Ministry was the deal changer. I saw first hand that transportation issues effected not only the low income, or the less fortunate, but also the fortunate that had made poor choices. I found myself helping with physical and spiritual needs, but also helping to educate them about why, when, and how this happens.
Can you tell me more about the mission behind the new car coaching program?
Besides housing difficulties, transportation issues are the 2nd biggest obstacle for Columbia’s lower income population. This car coaching program is not a “get a cheap car” program. Yes, it can help someone get a low-priced vehicle, but we are raising the bar to educate everyone on how to maintain their vehicle, purchase a car, find a repair shop, and get general car help.
What is your hope for how this service will grow in the future?
We are adding and creating educational information and videos to help not only Love Columbia clients, but to make this resource available for all the area agencies. My hope is that we have Love Columbia Car Coaches in every church in Columbia. They then would have skills and resources to help their congregation navigate though car issues. I'd like to see all of us (car enthusiasts, car guys and ladies) meet soon, so each of us can share our gifts with each other.