In a white car in Mt. Zion’s parking lot, Angela gripped the rim of a steering wheel at 10 and 2 and rested her head gently on the center hub just above the horn pad. Her smile was wide, and her heart was full. The thing she thought was too good to be true had become real. She wondered how it was possible that someone would place her behind the wheel of a reliable vehicle—with no strings attached.
Rachel’s father had a knack for procuring cars and a habit of giving them away at critical moments. Seven years as a single mother sharpened her awareness of how fragile stability can be, and how reliable transportation can quietly expand the possibilities of what a family can become. Heath has a passion for restoring vehicles—taking something once thought useless and making it rev and move again—a craft learned on the family farm and carried forward through generations.
In late 2021, Rachel and Heath began dreaming about how their shared experiences with cars could help address a problem that is frequently discussed but difficult to solve: access to reliable transportation. In Dane County alone, nearly 18,000 people lack dependable transportation, a barrier that affects employment, healthcare, education, and housing stability.
They had a vision, a name, and a deep desire to stand in the gaps for nonprofits and the people they serve. What they didn’t yet have was official approval. After two years of silence and meeting stringent requirements set by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Generous Jalopy became a licensed auto dealer.
Eunice was unconvinced. It was difficult for her to believe that such a thing was not only possible, but that people would be kind enough to make it happen. She had long known that God never failed her—people, however, often did.
I listened compassionately, though I wasn’t surprised by her skepticism. “Remember Angela’s new-to-her car?” I said. “That was them.”
Generous Jalopy coordinates no-cost vehicle diagnostics, secures vehicles at under- or low-market value, and places repaired cars with individuals who are nominated through nonprofit partners. As I have watched Rachel and Heath work, it has become clear to me that this isn’t simply generosity—it is obedience to a call to serve, lived out through grease, patience, and persistence. They accomplish this work through a network of individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and trusted mechanical partners, all united by a shared mission: strengthening outcomes for organizations that support people working toward life stabilization.
By brokering transportation solutions, Generous Jalopy helps individuals sustain housing, access healthcare, pursue education, and maintain employment—ultimately improving quality of life and long-term stability.
This work is supported through one-time, monthly, or annual contributions, donations of vehicles in any condition, and the offering of diagnostic, repair, and detailing services.
In a silver car in Mt. Zion’s parking lot, Eunice gripped the steering wheel at 10 and 2 and threw her head back in victorious laughter. Rachel and Heath laughed too. After months of searching, coordinating, diagnosing, repairing, and detailing, they were finally able to place Eunice behind the wheel of a dependable vehicle.
I laughed as well. In just one year of partnership with Generous Jalopy, two members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church have gained access to reliable transportation. The process can be lengthy, and outcomes are never guaranteed, but Rachel and Heath remain faithful to the work they are called to do.
If we were all as driven to give as Generous Jalopy, our community could go farther than we ever imagined.
Althea René Miller is an artist, writer, and Associate Minister for Children and Youth at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. She helps manage family-related community partnerships on behalf of the church, including its collaboration with Generous Jalopy. Her work explores healing, restoration, and the ways faith takes shape through lived, communal practice.
For more information about Generous Jalopy, visit https://generousjalopy.org.
