Information About Hands' Programs

Automotive Service for Single Working Mothers

Thank you for your interest in learning about Hands Automotive Service Programs. Since launching as a nonprofit organization in 2003, Hands of The Carpenter (Hands) has been operating to address obstacles preventing working single mothers with dependent children from being financially secure. Unreliable transportation was identified as an issue that no one was addressing consistently. To meet this need, Hands provides vehicle repairs and on-going maintenance, and prepares donated cars for placement with women who don’t have reliable vehicles. Work is conducted by Hands’ professional technicians and teams of volunteers at its shop on S. Golden Road and/or in Aurora, Colorado. Hands is open to serving working single mothers in seven counties in the Metro Denver area.

Hands has two interrelated programs:

About the TLC Program

TLC (Transportation @Low Cost) Program addresses single mothers’ immediate automotive needs. Clients pay only 50% of what would be charged elsewhere. Hands provides a “First Time” service of either:

  1. a vehicle repair to be able to keep getting to work (based on a vehicle assessment that will determine the vehicle’s condition)
    OR 
  2. a vehicle placement to keep getting to work, which allows time to save for a newer car.

Whether a single mother is provided a one-time assistance for service repair or more, Hands will have: 

  • Assessed the client’s car, providing her with an assessment report on their vehicle
  • Provided one or more repairs by professional technicians or capable volunteers
  • Conducted preventative maintenance to avoid or delay more costly major repairs.
  • Placed her in a vehicle that had been donated and serviced to keep her on the road.
  • Education about the car is offered 

The first step to access Hands’ services is to read the information about the TLC Program, which can be accessed by clicking here.

About the Lift UP Program

The Lift UP (Upward Progress) Program provides long-term automotive services for up to three years. Entry to the Lift UP program is through the TLC program. 

  • If you are interested in learning about the Lift UP Program, keep reading. The Lift UP Program is offered after completing the application process for approval through the TLC program, vehicle is assessed and recommendation is made by invitation from Hands staff into the Lift UP Program.
  • Vehicle repairs can be unexpected and costly. The Lift UP Program focuses on providing single moms with much-needed car repairs at a greatly reduced cost. We are currently requiring clients to pay only 35% for the cost of most services in the first year, 50% in the second year, and 75% in year three.  The aim of the program is to remove the barrier of unreliable transportation so that working single women are able to continue striving for economic self-sufficiency.

The Lift UP Program has three components: 

  1. Repairs and Maintenance: Services are provided for up to three years to keep your current vehicle up-to-date and to address issues as they arise.
  2. Vehicle Placement: Hands places reliable, donated cars with women, who are working or are in school/job training, whose current vehicles cannot be repaired, or they do not have a car.
  3. Car Care Education: Hands aims to equip clients with knowledge and skills to handle small maintenance tasks, know when to call for assistance, and prepare to continue car care tasks after leaving Hands’ programs.
As noted previously, complete information about the Lift UP Long-Term Program requirements, details, and process to enter will be provided to invited clients from the TLC Program. For general information about Hands of The Carpenter, its program, and opportunities to offer support please call 303-526-4488.

For More Information about the Lift UP Program:

As noted previously, complete information about the Lift UP Long-Term Program requirements, details, and process to enter will be provided to clients in Lift UP Program. For general information about Hands of The Carpenter, its program, and opportunities to offer support please give us a call.