At Avenue Scholars, we don’t let anything stand in the way of career success – especially car trouble.
When problems arise that may prevent Scholars from getting to class, an internship, or a job, they know they can contact their Career Coach and that Avenue Scholars will help them figure out a solution. Sometimes that means assisting them with unexpected auto repairs.
Thanks to a generous community partner, those efforts are getting a boost.
This spring, Avenue Scholars established a partnership agreement with Omaha’s Mad Hatter Auto Repair and Westgate High-Tech Auto Care to provide discounted services for Scholars’ vehicles.
Partners in Improving Lives
When a Scholar encounters a problem, they can visit one of Mad Hatter and Westgate’s three locations for a free visual safety inspection and a diagnostic service at a flat fee. Mad Hatter and Westgate will then work with the Scholar and program staff on a plan for repair. In most cases, Avenue Scholars will then cover the full or partial repair cost.
“The idea that there is something that’s preventing you from being your best and going to school or work, even if it’s financial, we can help get that taken care of for our Scholars,” said Andrew Ciochetto, Career Services program manager for Avenue Scholars. “Our goal is to always work in the best interest of the Scholar – that’s our number one thing.”
For Mad Hatter and Westgate, the agreement is an extension of a company culture oriented toward service.
“This mission statement for our company is, ‘We exist to improve lives,’ and this agreement is just one iteration of those efforts,” said Mike Kraus, chief operations officer for Mad Hatter and Westgate.
Another example, said Lynn Haver, co-owner and social media and marketing director for the company, is Mad Hatter and Westgate’s unique seven-year, 77,000-mile warranty on parts and labor. It’s an offering, she said, that “testifies to our work and our word.”
Safety and Success for New Drivers
In addition to mechanical estimates, Mad Hatter and Westgate will also assist Scholars in putting together a plan for continued vehicle maintenance – effectively a guide on “how to take care of your car.”
The partnership agreement also extends to Scholars looking to purchase a new vehicle. Those Scholars can visit Mad Hatter and Westgate for a full inspection and, after, receive a report outlining all safety concerns, as well as important service considerations.
“Mad Hatter is a great partnership because they share the same belief that Avenue Scholars does, in that, if this a way to help out Scholars, then they are all for it,” Ciochetto said
With Mad Hatter and Westgate’s help, we’re proud to provide even more assistance for our Scholars so they can focus on what matters most – their future.
