Joanna Murray shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Joanna, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Who are you learning from right now?
We have spent the last few months meeting with other nonprofits across the country that operate similar organizations. It’s been incredible to glean information from leaders that have been in the industry for over 25 years and hear how they navigated the process. We are currently working on implementing many of these lessons learned into our policies and procedures. We are very thankful for the generosity and wisdom that they offered us.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Midsouth Hope Garage is a Memphis based nonprofit that offers the gift of transportation through repairing donated cars and then gifting them free of charge to the most vulnerable in the city. MHG was created by four friends who dreamed and prayed for years how to best use their skillsets in serving others. The four founders all had a heart for vulnerable moms and children after being involved in foster care and adoptions. They came to understand the varying spectrum of children aging out of foster care needing support as they move into world and parents needing support as they navigate employment and providing for a home. The common denominator was that all needed transportation to be successful. Thus, in 2020, Midsouth Hope Garage launched.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Being involved in the foster care system and adoptions truly changed the viewpoint of life for us. We saw the brokenness, the hopeless, and the cyclical pattern of generation trauma and poverty.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught empathy, patience, resilience and relying on the power of Jesus through prayer and reading the Bible. Through suffering, we are refined and grow.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
We believe in the power of transportation and the freedom and hope that it drives. Being a small nonprofit with limited staff, the needed time and resources to operate can be difficult to find; however, we believe in the hope that we see restored in every applicant that receives a vehicle. We are committed to continuing the mission in gifting cars and serving the most vulnerable in our city.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
We feel the most peace when we give a car giveaway. When we observe the recipient with a renewed hope in their smile and the smiles of their children, it generates a complete peace over our staff and volunteers. It is a reassurance and a resurge in our commitment to continue the necessary work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.midsouthhopegarage.org
- Instagram: @midsouthhopegarage
- Facebook: @midsouthhopegarage
Image Credits
Midsouth Hope Garage
