Good Works, Inc.

April 2024

Photo taken in October of 2023 

Photo taken in November of 2023 

 

THINKING about donating a car or truck? Read this.

A LETTER FROM KEITH WASSERMAN

April 2024

Greetings with JOY and gratitude from all of us at Good Works!

On April 18, 2024, Good Works provided vehicle # 203 to another participant in the Transformation Station who served with us for several months. That is 203 individuals and families who have donated cars to Good Works!  We are writing in the HOPE that you may be able to pass the word for us about this unique opportunity to help people struggling with poverty here in rural Ohio and encourage friends you know to donate cars to Good Works when they are ready and able.

Through The Transformation Station Good Works provides appliances, non-emergency food, bicycles and vehicles to people in rural Ohio through what we call a “sweat equity” volunteer opportunity.  All of the items are donated to Good Works.  People contact us asking for these items, and we invite them to become a volunteer and to earn what they need. Every morning or each afternoon of service equal one point. We invite everyone to stay for lunch.  The TS operates 2 days a week.  Those who serve work alongside our staff, interns and other volunteers. As people accumulate points, they can “trade them in” for the item they need. In some situations, they can double their points by bringing a friend to help them.  Our vision is to bring people into community, clothe them with dignity, and help them use their skills and abilities to help and serve others.  This is the 20th year of the TS, and this vision has gone far better than anyone expected.  We are impacting a lot of people with practical assistance and building long-term friendships.  We SEE people experience hope and a change in their identity from “needy” to “volunteer,” and we watch as person after person comes to the awareness that they are loved, valued and are a part of a community as discover a way to participate!

Are you in a small group, organization, or a church that would allow you to make an announcement or tell the story of Good Works and The Transformation Station?  The Good Works website provides some information, and we are happy to talk with anyone who might consider donating their car.   For more information, you can contact us at 740.594.3336.  

If you prefer, you can contact us by email at email@good-works.net

Love is a verb,
Keith Wasserman
Founder & Executive Director

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The Transformation Station (TS) provides people in rural Ohio the opportunity to get needed resources while at the same time volunteering in meaningful ways to help other people in the Athens County community. Since 2004 we have been providing individuals and families not only a way to get resources they need, but also a way to make a contribution to the communities in which they live.

On April 18, 2024, we celebrated with the 203nd  person to receive a vehicle through the Transformation Station! We estimate that for each family or individual who receives a vehicle through the TS, there is a direct impact on as many as four other families here in rural Ohio.

203!

 

When a person completes their points, staff, interns and volunteers come together to celebrate with the person. Words of affirmation and encouragement are shared and we offer a prayer of blessing upon the person receiving their car. As they drive off we all cheer for them. This is all made possible through the generosity of so many people who give  their personal resources to help people in our community who struggle with poverty.

Some things to know about Transformation Station:

• Over 1000 people have volunteered in Transformation Station since 2004.
• We have provided over 200 appliances such as washers, dryers and refrigerators.
• We have provided over 50 pieces of furniture and over 50 bicycles.
• And over 1000 crates of food have been provided!

While we are grateful for these numbers, it is rather the people represented by these numbers who are most important to us. There are those who actually volunteer in the Transformation Station volunteer opportunity. Then there are the people who donate their vehicles, appliances, bicycles and food to Transformation Station. And finally, there are the people who volunteer with Good Works to serve alongside our Transformation Station volunteers. Each of these make the transformation part of Transformation Station possible!

To learn more:

(1) If you want to learn more about Transformation Station and how you can volunteer to receive items such as vehicles, appliances, bicycles and food, click here.

(2) Donations are what makes Transformation Station work. If you would like to donate your vehicle, appliance, bicycle or food, click here.

(3) If you want to volunteer with Good Works and work alongside Transformation Station Volunteers, click here.

What is Transformation Station? The Third Way
by Keith Wasserman

Athens News articles about the Transformation Station: 

“Win-win Alchemy: Trading Volunteer work for cars and other goods” by Conor Morris.

“Program lets those in need earn cars through community service” by David Dewitt