Vehicle Rehabilitation Program
ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE, WELCOME!
Increase your confidence and independence by learning anything from changing a battery to engine swaps.
The Vehicle Rehabilitation Program is for all skill levels, from someone that does not know how to check the oil in a car, to expert mechanics with extensive backgrounds. There is something for everyone.
L.G.S. purchases non-working cars and the parts to fix them. A peer-staff member who is also trained in mechanics fixes the cars with the individuals interested in learning skills. This program supports people in learning basic mechanic skills and also work toward certification if they choose. A percentage of rehabilitated cars are donated to individuals receiving L.G.S. services in need of a vehicle.
This program is available to individuals in residential treatment as well as clients receiving outpatient services.
OHP Members are eligible for this service when they are enrolled with Live. Grow. Share. for Mental Health or Substance Use Disorder Treatment
The shop area provides a comfortable and safe atmosphere for peer mentoring, while participants get the sense of accomplishment from fixing a broken vehicle, to keep, after they complete the facility requirements. In addition, participants learn life skills that are directly transferrable to getting employment in that field.
All facets of the shop are being made up to industry and OSHA standards. Each participant is trained individually by the shop manager in the use of all power tools, ensuring proper knowledge and use of the equipment is understood thoroughly. This directly helps with future employment.
In addition to the auto aspect, the shop also maintains and repairs all equipment and vehicles owned by Live. Grow. Share. This includes but not limited to tractors and tractor equipment, golf carts, side by sides, trailers, fencing, etc. This helps broaden the range of knowledge and experience for participants to get as much “hands on” time on different projects, as they desire.
Meet Aaron Whaley, PSS
Hello, my name is Aaron Whaley. I manage and run the Vehicle Rehabilitation Program here at L.G.S. My wonderful partner created L.G.S. and I am fortunate enough to be able to do this amazing program and share my skills obtained through life experiences as well as formal training. Ever since I was a child, I have always had an interest in anything that goes. Mechanical, electrical, etc, it all interests me.
My father grew up working in an auto body shop that was in the side yard of his home, that my grandfather put together and started. Autos in general have always piqued my interest, to the point of building 2 cars from the ground up, with my father. I will soon be creating my own masterpiece of a vehicle and can't wait to get started on it. I have extensive knowledge of mechanics, but there is ALWAYS something more to learn in this field. I also went to college for 2 years of welding/fabrication. I am constantly reading and craving more new information pertaining to pretty much anything with a motor. I am very traditional and an "old school" kind of guy in that, I love old cars. I especially have a soft spot for large pre-70s Cadillacs and anything pre-1940. That being said, I appreciate new technology and embrace change.
When I'm not dreaming of big fast cars, I love being with my family! We love being outdoors and camping. I grew up fishing with my dad when we were not working on cars, and that is my other passion. Fishing for huge trout!
So in summary, I love Family, fishing, fun cars and camping!
More About The Vehicle Rehabilitation Program From Aaron, the Shop Manager
Another exciting aspect of this program that I have noticed through my own experiences and also verified through countless other people in the auto field that I have spoken with is, while working in mechanics, when you are not in a rush and feel comfortable and safe, it feels almost like a confession booth of sorts.
By that I mean that people find it easy to let their mind open and the words fly, when they are preoccupied physically, but still have someone there with them. Someone who's engaged in the conversation and is paying attention to them, even if they can't physically see them. All while getting a sense of accomplishment and possibly learning something new.
Meet Cash, Emotional Support Specialist
Position/Program: Quality Control and Emotional Support Specialist at the shop (Vehicle Rehabilitation Program)
Pronouns: He/Him (we think, unfortunately we don't speak dog)
Pets: Pickles the cat
3 Favorite things: Food, snuggles, playing ball
Something I like to do outside of work: fishing, camping, looking for deer, sunbathing, spending time with my family and friends, meeting new farm animals.
Something interesting about me: I was rescued from being abandoned in a home for many days (we don't know how long). I had a bad wound on my neck that has healed up nicely.
Why I do what I do: I have anxiety and fear of abandonment but most of the time I feel pretty secure with my family. I am really good at helping others who feel uneasy with my snuggles and kisses. If you sit on the floor, I'll come to make sure you're okay and give you a hug. I always say, "The more friends, the merrier." PS: The shop is my favorite place.
