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Devereux Pennsylvania supporter donates car to The Shops to help adults with disabilities

When Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Pennsylvania supporter Deborah Geffken’s beloved 2007 Volvo broke down – and she was told it needed a new transmission – Geffken decided to turn her car into a meaningful contribution to The Shops at Devereux’s Auto Shop, which provides employment and training opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Geffken had heard about charitable organizations accepting vehicle donations, and when she learned how her car would make a difference in the lives of individuals with special needs in her community, she was inspired to donate it to the Auto Shop.

Located in Devon, Pa., the Auto Shop is one of several specialized workshops that function as small businesses, producing goods and services for the public. Adults employed at the Auto Shop gain real-world, hands-on experience as they work toward acquiring the skills needed to secure successful employment. Note: Due to COVID-19, the Auto Shop is staffed by a Devereux Pennsylvania team member, no adults served by the organization are on site at this time.

“What a generous gift! We are extremely grateful to Deborah for donating her car to Devereux,” said The Shops Program Administrator Kirk Smith. “The vehicle was in need of a transmission, but otherwise, it was in exceptional condition. Now that the car is running smoothly, when the time is right, we will use it to transport our adults to job, volunteer and community engagement opportunities.”

Geffken noted, “I am absolutely thrilled my old car will have a new life. The vehicle is safe and comfortable, and I hope the adults at The Shops love it as much as I did. The dealership would have paid $500 for it, but you cannot put a price on the joy it will bring to these individuals. I have no doubt the talented team at the Auto Shop has the ability to keep it running for a long time to come.”

About the Auto Shop

The Auto Shop is a full-service automobile mechanic shop, offering everything from state inspections and car washes to brake and engine repair.

To protect the health and safety of the individuals we serve, our team members and community supporters, the Auto Shop has implemented stringent cleaning and contact-free protocols. Look below to view specific safety measures at the Auto Shop.

• Contact-free service: To ensure a contact-free car service experience, customers can call ahead to schedule vehicle repairs, park in a designated vehicle drop-off spot, leave their keys and pick up their vehicles (when work is completed) with minimal contact.
• Face masks: Staff will wear protective face masks and gloves at all times.
• Sanitizing: Staff will wait 72 hours before entering a vehicle, disinfect the vehicle’s interior prior to beginning work and after the work is completed.

To schedule an appointment – or make a vehicle donation – call (484) 685-4381, or email Bob Kramer.

Learn more about The Shops at Devereux. Learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

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