Our Impact
Every vehicle the Stranded Motorist Fund® repairs or donates represents a family whose life is transformed. Here are some of their stories.
Stories of Transformation
These stories represent the types of situations we help with. Details have been changed to protect privacy.
The Student Supporting Her Brothers
A young college student was working 80 hours weekly while supporting her two younger brothers in a one-bedroom apartment. She was spending hours on buses and in rideshares just to get to work and school. When SMF donated a vehicle to her, everything changed. She gained precious time — hours each day that had been lost to public transportation. She gained freedom — the ability to take her brothers to activities, to accept better job opportunities, to actually live her life. Most importantly, she gained the opportunity to thrive. With reliable transportation, she could focus on her education and building a better future for herself and her brothers.
The Mother's New Beginning
After months of searching and countless applications, a single mother finally received the call she'd been waiting for — she got the job. It was a fresh start for her and her children. Then, the week before she was to start her new position, her car wouldn't start. The starter had failed. Without transportation, she would lose the opportunity she'd worked so hard to find. She applied to SMF on a Monday. By Wednesday, her vehicle was repaired. On Thursday, she drove to her first day of work. She didn't miss a single day. This is what we do. We don't just fix cars — we protect dreams and preserve opportunities.
The Veteran Finding Stability
After serving his country, a disabled veteran found himself living on a fixed income. His aging vehicle was his lifeline — his only way to access the VA medical center for the regular care his conditions required. When multiple systems began failing, he faced an impossible choice: pay for repairs he couldn't afford, or stop getting the medical care he needed. Neither option was acceptable. SMF stepped in. Working with one of our certified repair shops, we covered the critical repairs needed to get his vehicle back on the road safely. Now he continues to receive his medical care. He can pick up his prescriptions. He can live with the dignity he earned through his service.
Our Partners
We work with a network of certified repair shops, educational institutions, and social service agencies to serve our community.
Certified Repair Shops
El Paso County, CO
Local auto repair shops that provide quality repairs at reduced rates, helping us stretch every dollar further.
Automotive Programs
El Paso County, CO
Technical schools and community colleges where students gain real-world experience while helping families in need.
Social Service Agencies
El Paso County, CO
Organizations serving vulnerable populations who refer clients facing transportation crises to our program.
Our Commitment
Since our founding in 2020, we've been dedicated to getting families back on the road.
Be Part of the Story
Your support makes these transformations possible. Join us in keeping families on the road.