Guest post by board member, Taylor Carlson
In 2020, I became an Advocate with OnRamp, meaning that I nominated a potential client to the ministry. Truthfully, I knew very little about OnRamp at the time other than “they help people with transportation needs.” I walked into our interview with OnRamp along with a co-advocate and our client, Jamie, right before Covid hit. I was expecting a conversation about her life, her needs, and my support of her goals. Professionally, client advocacy has been a constant in my world for the last decade working in care ministry.
But that interview was pivotal. It wasn’t just a conversation, it was empowerment. The interview team looked at all areas of a client’s life holistically, including health, finances, community support, faith-based support, family needs, etc. It was in-depth and intentional. They also asked me questions as an advocate that made me stop and think, which, truthfully, changed the way I’ve approached any type of client advocacy since.
Throughout the entire process from interview to donation, I was blown away by the level of care Jamie received from this team (she received her car from OnRamp in August of 2020). Personally, I was also shocked at the level of interest the team had in me as an advocate! They followed up with emails and phone calls, they shared helpful information, and they asked challenging questions. At the donation, I knew I was interested in spending more time with OnRamp and asked how I could partner with them. I knew the truth: that OnRamp doesn’t just “help with transportation,” they help with transformation.
As a mother of three, I know how hard it is to load kiddos up to leave the house for an activity… but to load car-seats into a friend’s vehicle every time you need to get groceries? I understand how difficult it can be to live on a tight budget… but to have your income limited because you are reliant on public transportation to pick up additional shifts at work? The challenges our clients have faced are nothing in comparison to their perseverance and determination to change their circumstances. It’s compelling, it’s challenging, and it’s hopeful that anyone can make a difference in our community.
I quickly completed my training and jumped into the Client Care Committee in 2020. Both over Zoom and in person, I interviewed dozens of clients. Some of those clients were in need of resources, assistance, and care during incredibly difficult life situations. Some of those clients were ready for a vehicle and just needed the coaching to meet their goals. I’ve interviewed single moms, refugees, grandmothers, caretakers, and veterans; every single time, I have been reminded of the privilege it is to be invited into someone’s life, and I have been delighted to watch new opportunities unfold through the empowerment of transformation. Our client care committee truly celebrates every single client’s success!
Now, three years later, I am more committed to OnRamp than I could have imagined in those early days! I LOVE to talk about the life changes I’ve seen, because even though I have not received a vehicle from OnRamp, my life has absolutely been changed by these stories, these volunteers, and these incredible clients. I began my time with OnRamp while I was a Care Director at a local church. Now, I am home with my triplets (yes, you read that right!) diving in deeper with OnRamp as a board member and a volunteer consultant for the Client Care Committee. I hope my children will see the kind of hands-on love and care for our community that OnRamp has helped instill in my life.
If you’re looking for a way to make a difference in our community, to truly empower others, I’d love for you to join our team, whether that be through your time, your prayer, or your finances.